The Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season has just kicked off and we already have an array of stories to tell. There is a longer season to offer for the fans with record 13 teams.
Be it the arrival of young superstars, comeback wins and shocking refereeing decisions, Gameweek 1 at the Indian Super League has had it all.
We look at the top stories from ISL – Gameweek 1 as part of our new Weekly series.
Owen Coyle’s Chennaiyin are here to impress
Owen Coyle has always been that manager who continues to be a favourite amongst neutrals and reporters. The Scotsman does not shy away from being brave. He uses everything at his disposal to take the game to the opposition.
Be it overloading the wingers down the side, Coyle will do everything to make his team score goals. He might push the midfield upfront. He could also make the back four defend on a very high line. They do score goals and did a lot more this time!
Farukh Chaudhary scored twice as the Marina Machans ran out 3-2 winners against Sergio Lobera’s Odisha FC at Bhubaneswar. The Kalinga has been an absolute fortress. Breaching it on the very first day will make teams take note of the new look Chennaiyin.
READ MORE: Should Farukh Chaudhary be considered for next national team assignment?
Mohun Bagan just cannot contain their lead
It all looked set up for a dream start for Jose Molina. Mohun Bagan took a 2-0 lead against NorthEast United in the Durand Cup final. However, the Highlanders equalised and clinched the title on penalties, sending shockwaves amongst the Green and Maroon faithful.
The same fashion continued in the ISL opener as well. Mumbai City FC were also down 0-2 at the break at the Salt Lake Stadium. They got back and made it 2-2, stealing a crucial 1 point from Kolkata.
With the departure of Anwar Ali, it might seem daunting for the Mariners to have a dependable defence for the entirety of the season. However, it is way too early to panick. Mohun Bagan have already reacted in the market and have brought in former Melbourne City defender Nuno Reis. He might play a crucial part in the season going forward.
What is Carles Cuadrat doing?
Carles Cuadrat has been the Messiah for one half of Kolkata since he reigned East Bengal to a Super Cup title in January. This was East Bengal’s first ever National title after 12 years. The management has upped the ante and have brought in some extremely expensive National team players. They have also acquired proven foreigners from the other teams in the League.
However, the cash rich setup has failed to work so far. East Bengal looked absolutely toothless against Bengaluru FC at Kanteerava. Cuadrat ended up playing Madih Talal, who is supposed to be a creator, upfront on the pitch. Jeakson Singh was forced to defend as a centre back. Mahesh Singh looked confused with his constant changes in positions. Dimitrios Diamantakos did not even get a single ball to latch on and threaten the Bengaluru defence.
The Spaniard has to change his approach to the game. He needs to implement his options optimally. He must get quick results before the fans and the local media start asking the unavoidable obvious questions.
Rahul KP turns football into American Football
Rahul KP is one interesting character. He went on record to say he does not want to be a “team player” for Kerala Blasters in the previous season. This attracted negative attention from the fans last season. Now, he has gone full “American Football” in the ISL.
He went on to challenge for the “ball” against Punjab’s Luka Majcen, making a wildly aggressive lunge. This ended up breaking the jaw of the Slovenian Forward. Majcen is now out for 6-8 weeks and will have to go for a surgery.
Rahul KP has been facing intense outrage on Social Media ever since. Fans are calling for suspending him for the next few matches as a penalty.
Guess it’s time Rahul KP plays football and not American Football?
Bengaluru has spawned one of their own
We talk of Lamine Yamal every single day after Euro 2024. Well, Bengaluru FC might have spawned one of their own through their own system. Venkatesh Vinith enrolled in the Bengaluru FC Academy back in 2013. He rose through the ranks of the youth teams and reserves over the past decade and has now arrived at the centre stage of Indian Football.
A quality finish from a tight angle against the East Bengal super team has rightly brought him to the national spotlight. Just 19, Vinith can be the next Bengaluru superstar. He can be a quality addition to the National Team if he manages to sustain his game for a prolonged period of time.
All Results at a glance
Mohun Bagan SG 2-2 Mumbai City FC
Odisha FC 2-3 Chennaiyin FC
Bengaluru FC 1-0 East Bengal FC
Kerala Blasters FC 1-2 Punjab FC
Mohammedan SC 0-1 NorthEast United FC
FC Goa 1-2 Jamshedpur FC
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