ISL Player of the Week: Diego Mauricio, Odisha FC's Brazilian maestro

Odisha FC have been in scintillating form, showcasing their attacking prowess and consistency in ISL 2024-25.

The Sergio Lobera-coached side delivered back-to-back thumping victories over southern rivals Hyderabad FC and Bengaluru FC, propelling themselves to third place on the points table with 15 points from 10 games.

The star of the show? Brazilian striker Diego Mauricio.

Mauricio, a key architect of Odisha FC's resurgence, has been instrumental in both games, underlining his status as one of the league's most dangerous forwards.

In their emphatic 6-0 win over Hyderabad FC, Mauricio netted Odisha’s second goal.

He followed that up with a sensational brace as the Juggernauts overpowered Bengaluru FC 4-2.

Masterclass against Bengaluru FC

In the clash against Bengaluru FC, the second-placed team in the ISL, Mauricio displayed his uncanny ability to soak in the pressure and achieve perfection.

His performance was as clinical as it was impactful: he completed all 13 of his attempted passes, scored twice, and created several goal-scoring opportunities.

Odisha FC made a strong start, with Jerry Mawihmingthanga and Mourtada Fall giving the hosts a 2-0 lead.

But it was Mauricio who stole the spotlight, extending the advantage just before half-time with a moment of magic.

As the game headed to injury time, Jerry Lalrinzuala’s long throw-in found Mauricio on the left wing.

The Brazilian dazzled past Bengaluru defender Rahul Bheke to cut into the box and unleashed a curling strike that saw Gurpreet Singh Sandhu diving in vain.

It was a piece of sheer brilliance, encapsulating Mauricio’s efficiency and composure.

The second half saw Bengaluru FC captain Sunil Chhetri reduce the deficit with a powerful diving header, but Mauricio responded with a show-stopping solo effort.

Winning the ball near midfield, he charged forward at a blistering pace, piercing through the Bengaluru defence.

Although Bheke managed to intercept his initial effort, Mauricio latched onto the deflection and smashed the ball into the net to restore Odisha’s commanding lead at 4-1.

While Bengaluru FC scored a late goal, they could not match the individual brilliance that Mauricio brought to the pitch.

Climbing the golden boot ladder 

With seven goals in 10 matches, Mauricio now sits third in the Golden Boot race.

His ability to combine flair with efficiency has provided a much-needed impetus to Odisha FC's campaign this season.

With the season still at the halfway mark, Mauricio would be eager to retain his form and further cement his place among the ISL’s elite goal-scorers.

As Odisha FC continue their campaign, Mauricio’s heroics are a beacon of hope for the Juggernauts, who will look to ride on his brilliance to climb up further in the league ladder.