Football

Mumbai City FC and Chennaiyin FC played out a thrilling 1-1 draw in the 1,000th match of the Indian Super League (ISL) at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai on Saturday.The Marina Machans took the lead in the 60th minute through captain Ryan Edwards' header, but their joy was short-lived as Nathan Rodrigues equalized for the Islanders just three minutes later.The match started with both teams looking to attack, with Mumbai City FC having the first chance in the 19th minute when Yoell van Nieff's long-range effort was saved by Chennaiyin FC goalkeeper Mohammad Nawaz.A minute later, Tiri came close to giving Mumbai City FC the lead with a header from a corner, but his effort went just wide.Nikolaos Karelis also had a chance for Mumbai City FC in the 30th minute, but his shot was blocked by the Chennaiyin FC defense.The second half started with Chennaiyin FC taking the lead through Edwards' header from a Connor Shields cross.However, Mumbai City FC responded quickly, with Rodrigues heading in a Van Nieff corner in the 63rd minute.Both teams had chances to win the match in the remaining minutes, but neither side could find a winning goal.The draw leaves Chennaiyin FC in fourth place in the ISL standings with 12 points, while Mumbai City FC remains in eighth place with 10 points.

FC Goa's impressive run in the Indian Super League continued on Wednesday as they secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Punjab FC. This triumph marked their second consecutive win, propelling them to the top three in the league standings.The match began with Punjab FC taking an early lead through Asmir Sujik's strike in the 13th minute. However, FC Goa responded swiftly, with Armando Sadiku equalizing just nine minutes later. The first half ended with both teams level at 1-1.In the second half, FC Goa stepped up their intensity and pace. Their efforts paid off in the 49th minute when Iker Garrotxena scored the winning goal with a clinical left-footed strike. Despite Punjab FC's persistent attempts to level the score, FC Goa's defense held firm, securing the victory.This win was a testament to FC Goa's growing confidence and momentum. After breaking Bengaluru FC's unbeaten streak 3-0 in their previous match, they have now established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the league.Iker Garrotxena was the standout performer for FC Goa, scoring one goal and assisting another. His contributions were crucial in securing the three points. Armando Sadiku also played a vital role, scoring the equalizer and providing a constant threat to the Punjab FC defense.Punjab FC, on the other hand, will be disappointed with the result. Despite taking an early lead, they were unable to maintain their advantage and ultimately succumbed to FC Goa's pressure.With this victory, FC Goa moved to third place in the standings with 12 points from eight matches. Punjab FC, meanwhile, suffered their second defeat in six matches.

Chennaiyin FC unleashed a goal-scoring onslaught to secure a resounding 5-1 victory over Jamshedpur FC in the Indian Super League on Monday. The Marina Machans dominated the match from the outset, showcasing their attacking prowess with five different players finding the back of the net.Irfan Yadwad opened the scoring for Chennaiyin in the sixth minute, capitalizing on a defensive error by Jamshedpur. The youngster doubled the lead in the 22nd minute with a stunning solo effort, leaving the Jamshedpur defense in his wake. Connor Shields added to the tally two minutes later, hammering home a left-footed strike after a clever one-two with Yadwad.Chennaiyin continued their relentless attack in the second half. Wilmar Jordan Gil extended their lead in the 54th minute, pouncing on a loose ball and slotting it past Albino Gomes. Lukas Brambilla sealed the victory in the 71st minute with a curling effort that left Gomes stranded.Jamshedpur managed a consolation goal in the 81st minute through Javi Hernandez, who converted a penalty after Yadwad handled the ball in the area. However, it was a mere footnote in an otherwise dominant performance by Chennaiyin.The victory marked Chennaiyin's third of the season, moving them up to sixth place in the standings. Jamshedpur, on the other hand, remained in 10th place with just one win from their first five matches.

Bengaluru FC's unbeaten run in the 2024-25 Indian Super League came to an abrupt end as FC Goa inflicted a resounding 3-0 defeat on the Blues at the Fatorda Stadium on Saturday. Despite the setback, Bengaluru remains atop the standings with 16 points from seven matches, three points ahead of Mohun Bagan, which has played a game less.FC Goa, on the other hand, breathed a sigh of relief with its second win in seven contests. The victory was orchestrated by a trio of second-half strikes from Armando Sadiku, Brison Fernandes, and Dejan Drazic.Goa began the match as the aggressor, with Drazic's creativity on the wings causing problems for Bengaluru's defense. The hosts also threatened from set-pieces, but the Blues held firm to keep the tie goalless at the break.However, the pressure eventually told on Bengaluru, which was forced to reshuffle its defense after Aleksandar Jovanovic was unable to continue. In the 63rd minute, Sadiku's shot from Mohammad Yasir's low cross took a couple of deflections before trickling past goalkeeper Gurpreet Sandhu.Substitute Brison doubled Goa's advantage with a deft chip from outside the box after Gurpreet was robbed off the ball by Sadiku inside the Bengaluru penalty area. Drazic netted Goa's third in stoppage-time after latching onto Iker Guarrotxena's chip.The result marked Bengaluru's first defeat of the season and highlighted the depth and quality of FC Goa's squad. The Blues will look to bounce back in their next match, while Goa will aim to build on this momentum and climb up the standings.

Bengaluru FC, the reigning Indian Super League (ISL) champions, will face a struggling FC Goa in a crucial match at the Fatorda stadium on Saturday. BFC, currently atop the standings with 16 points, has been in impressive form, winning five matches and drawing one. Their defensive solidity has been a key factor, conceding just once in six games.In contrast, FC Goa has endured a disappointing start to the season, languishing in 10th place with only six points. Manolo Marquez's men have managed just one win in their three home games, leaving them desperate for a turnaround.BFC will be confident of extending Goa's misery, especially after their impressive 3-1 victory away at Kerala Blasters. "Last season, we were mid-table and fought against the top teams. This year we are on top and everyone wants to beat us. It feels good," said BFC coach Gerard Zaragoza ahead of the tie.For Goa, the BFC fixture presents a golden opportunity to kickstart a revival. The astute Marquez, despite being without the injured duo of Borja Herrera and Rowllin Borges, remains optimistic. "We are playing better than last season," said the Spaniard. "But we have not been consistent. It is a good moment to play BFC because we need to show that we can beat the strongest."The match promises to be an intriguing clash between two teams with contrasting fortunes. BFC will be looking to maintain their dominance at the top of the table, while Goa will be desperate to end their winless streak and climb up the standings.

Punjab FC staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Chennaiyin FC 3-2 in a thrilling Indian Super League (ISL) clash at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Thursday (October 31, 2024).Despite conceding an early goal to Jordan Gil, Punjab FC rallied back with three unanswered goals in the second half. Luka Majcen emerged as the hero for the visitors, scoring twice in quick succession to level the match. Asmir Suljic then sealed the victory with a third goal in the 70th minute.The match started with a scrappy opening, but Punjab FC gradually gained control of possession. In the 11th minute, Filip Mrzljak had a chance to put Punjab ahead, but his cross failed to find a teammate.Chennaiyin FC took the lead against the run of play in the 29th minute. Lukas Brambilla's defense-splitting pass found Gil, who made no mistake with his left-footed strike.Punjab FC responded well to the setback and created several chances before the break. Mrzljak's cross found Majcen in the 45th minute, but his shot hit the side netting.The second half was a different story as Punjab FC came out with renewed determination. Majcen equalized for the visitors just a minute after the restart, finishing calmly after being set up by Mrzljak.Two minutes later, Majcen doubled his tally, this time assisted by Khaiminthang Lhungdim. The Slovenian forward was in the right place at the right time to tap in from close range.Punjab FC continued to press for a third goal, and their efforts were rewarded in the 70th minute. Suljic, who had come on as a substitute, scored with a powerful shot from outside the box.Chennaiyin FC pulled one back in the dying minutes through Gil, but it was too little too late. Punjab FC held on for a hard-fought victory that moved them up to fifth place in the ISL standings.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant emerged victorious in a thrilling encounter against Hyderabad FC, securing a 2-0 triumph in the Indian Super League. The Mariners' victory propelled them to second place in the standings, trailing only Bengaluru FC by three points.The match commenced with a cautious approach from both teams, but Mohun Bagan seized the initiative in the 37th minute. Anirudh Thapa's incisive through ball found Manvir Singh, who displayed exceptional composure to round goalkeeper Lalbiakhlua Jongte and slot home the opening goal.Hyderabad FC attempted to respond, but Mohun Bagan's defense remained resolute. The Mariners extended their lead in the 55th minute through a well-executed free-kick. Greg Stewart's perfectly weighted delivery was met by Subhasish Bose, who headed the ball into the net.The second half saw Mohun Bagan adopt a more conservative approach, focusing on maintaining their advantage. Hyderabad FC pressed forward in search of an equalizer, but the Mariners' defense held firm.Mohun Bagan's victory was a testament to their clinical finishing and disciplined defense. Manvir Singh's goal was his fifth against Hyderabad FC, while Bose's header marked his first goal of the season.The Mariners' triumph was a significant boost to their title aspirations. They have now won four of their last five matches and are well-positioned to challenge for the championship. Hyderabad FC, on the other hand, will need to regroup and find a way to improve their form.

Bengaluru FC ended their two-year winless streak in Kochi with a thrilling 3-1 victory over Kerala Blasters in the Indian Super League (ISL) on Friday night. Substitute Edgar Mendez emerged as the hero for the Blues, scoring twice in the second half to secure the win.The match started with both teams trading blows, but it was Bengaluru who drew first blood. Argentine forward Pereyra Diaz pounced on a loose ball in the box and lobbed it over goalkeeper Som Kumar to give the visitors the lead in the 9th minute.However, the Blasters responded well and equalized through a penalty in the 45th minute. Kwame Peprah was brought down inside the box by Rahul Bheke, and Jesus Jimenez stepped up to convert the spot-kick.The second half was a more open affair, with both teams creating chances. Mendez, who had come on for Diaz in the 60th minute, made an immediate impact. In the 73rd minute, he pounced on a loose ball after Som Kumar fumbled Noguera's free-kick and slotted it home to give Bengaluru a 2-1 lead.The Blasters pushed for an equalizer in the dying minutes, but Mendez had the final say. In the 90th minute, he raced forward and found Som out of his goal, calmly slotting the ball into an empty net to seal the victory for Bengaluru.The win was a much-needed boost for Bengaluru, who had struggled for form in recent weeks. It also ended their two-year wait for a win in Kochi, where they had previously lost three consecutive matches.

Odisha FC emerged victorious in their Indian Super League (ISL) clash against East Bengal FC, securing a 2-1 triumph at home. The victory marked Odisha's second win of the season, while East Bengal suffered their sixth consecutive defeat.Roy Krishna, the Fijian forward, opened the scoring for Odisha in the 22nd minute, capitalizing on a through ball from Isak Vanlalruatfela. Krishna's goal was his fourth against East Bengal in the ISL.East Bengal managed to equalize in the added time of the first half through a penalty kick converted by Dimitrios Diamantakos. The penalty was awarded after Thoiba Singh handled the ball in the penalty area.In the second half, Odisha regained control of the match. Mourtada Fall, the Senegalese defender, scored the winning goal in the 69th minute, heading home a free-kick from Ahmed Jahouh.East Bengal's woes were compounded when Provat Lakra was sent off for a second yellow card in the 76th minute. The dismissal left East Bengal with 10 men, and they were unable to recover from the setback.Odisha FC held on to their lead and secured the three points, moving up to seventh place in the ISL standings. East Bengal, on the other hand, remained rooted to the bottom of the table with just one point from seven matches.