ISL Matchweek 11: Chhetri’s hat-trick, and more goal-less adventures

Matchweek 11 of the 2024-25 Indian Super League (ISL) was a mix of glorious comebacks, historic feats, and—unfortunately for some teams—a quest for goals.

Sunil Chhetri defied age to bag a hat-trick, while Hyderabad FC's home ground became the place where good things went to die.

Punjab FC had a brilliant “keep the ball, we’ll take the goals” approach, and East Bengal decided “why not” when coasting to a 2-0 win.

Let's break down the action from the week, filled with drama, missed opportunities, and some unforgettable moments.

Hyderabad vs FC Goa: Manolo’s revenge

Ah, the irony!

Manolo Marquez, Hyderabad’s ex-coach who once lamented the city’s total lack of football culture (cricket fans, take a bow), celebrated his 100th ISL game by coaching FC Goa to a 2-0 win over... you guessed it, Hyderabad FC.

Udanta Singh and Iker Guarrotxena apparently decided the first half was enough time to show Hyderabad how goals are scored – no drama required.

Hyderabad tried to make things interesting in the second half with some “efforts” (if we can call them that), but Goa’s defence clearly missed the memo.

A clean sheet, two goals, and a coach’s milestone – just another day at the office for the Gaurs.

Odisha FC vs Mumbai City: Goals don’t show up

How the mighty Juggernauts rolled... to a screeching halt!

Odisha FC’s roaring home scoring streak of 10 matches fizzled out with a goalless draw against Mumbai City FC, leaving the Kalinga crowd to cheer for almost-goals.

Diego Mauricio tried his best to light things up early with a daring shot, but alas, the target decided to play hike and seek.

Meanwhile, Mumbai gave it their all, with Nikolaos Karelis and Jeremy Manzorro knocking on Amrinder Singh’s door repeatedly, only to be politely turned away.

Even fresh substitutes couldn't break the deadlock.

Eventually, both sides left the pitch with one point each—and zero stories for their highlight reels.

Punjab FC vs Mohammedan: Keep the ball, we’ll take the goals

Who needs possession when you have precision?

Punjab FC, with just 37.3% possession, coolly brushed aside Mohammedan SC 2-0 to climb to third place in the ISL standings.

Luka Majcen, the team's goal machine, and Filip Mrzljak made the most of their chances while Mohammedan SC generously opted to miss theirs.

The visitors dominated stretches but couldn’t outwit Punjab’s Ivan Novoselec-led defence.

Majcen’s opener (and his 13th of the season) was classic opportunism, and Mrzljak sealed the deal with a fast-break finish.

Meanwhile, young Muheet Khan celebrated his ISL debut with a clean sheet.

Clinical, calculated, and climbing the ladder—that’s Punjab FC. 

Chennaiyin FC vs East Bengal: Goals aren’t a participation trophy

East Bengal snatched a 2-0 win with Vishnu sweeping up a rebound and Jeakson firing a missile from another zip code.

Meanwhile, Chennaiyin whipped in 22 crosses like it was a footballing fruit salad, but their strikers preferred to spectate.

For all their possession, the Marina Machans remain winless at home—and probably Googling how to score goals tonight.

Chhetri defies age and Kerala Blasters

Sunil Chhetri, at 40 years young, reminded everyone he’s got more goals than birthdays as he scored a historic hat-trick in Bengaluru FC’s 4-2 victory over Kerala Blasters.

The legend converted every chance like it was a yoga session—calm, precise, and graceful.

Kerala tried to stage a comeback, leveling the game briefly, but Chhetri wasn’t done writing headlines.

With the help of Ryan Williams’ wonder goal and Jorge Diaz’s assists, Bengaluru clinically converted their *very limited* possession into a masterclass in efficiency.

Oldest hat-trick scorer? More like timeless legend!

And while Kerala Blasters fans packed the stands, proudly calling the Sree Kanteerava their home away from home, it was Bengaluru FC who made themselves feel right at home, securing a win both at home and also in their rivals' backyard.

Mohun Bagan vs NorthEast United: Top of the table, and a clean sheet

Mohun Bagan Super Giant decided to top the table in style, with a 2-0 win over NorthEast United FC, and a clean sheet to boot—because who needs drama when you can dominate?

Manvir Singh and Liston Colaco provided the goals, and NorthEast’s hopes of a comeback were denied faster than a last-minute goal in a family football match.

Despite some bold attempts from the Highlanders, Vishal Kaith and his defense played the role of "no entry" signs with impeccable precision.

Mohun Bagan were so calm and composed, they might as well have been sipping coconut water on the sidelines.

As we wrap up Matchweek 11, the table's heating up, but let’s be honest—some teams might be considering taking a break from goalposts for a while.

Will Sunil Chhetri continue to defy the aging process?

Will Kerala Blasters ever win at Kanteerava?

Only time will tell. Until next week, keep your goals close and your defenders closer!