Football
ISL Matchweek 14: Defenders gone wild, Crossbar challenges and more
From goal-scoring defenders to crossbar challenges and underdog upsets, Matchweek 14 of ISL 2024-25 had it all.
Bengaluru FC celebrating their goal against Chennaiyin FC (Photo credit: FSDL)
Matchweek 14 of the ISL 2024-25 season delivered a cocktail of drama, comedy, and chaos.
Mohun Bagan’s center-back Alberto Rodriguez decided to moonlight as a striker, Mohammedan SC and Odisha FC treated the crossbar like their best friend, while NorthEast United FC stunned Mumbai City FC with a flawless win.
Let’s dive into the week where defenders turned heroes, attackers turned spectators, and teams turned in performances ranging from brilliant to baffling.
Defender turns striker, Punjab FC see red
Who needs strikers when your center-back bangs in two goals?
Mohun Bagan Super Giant came from behind to beat a 10-man Punjab FC 3-1, all while Alberto Rodriguez channelled his inner Ronaldo.
Punjab’s Ricky Shabong scored a beauty, but his team quickly crumbled like cookies under pressure, especially after Vidal decided to argue his way off the pitch.
A predictable penalty, another Rodriguez header, and the Mariners remain table toppers – because why not?
Crossbar challenge: Mohammedan SC vs Odisha FC
In a game that resembled a long episode of “almost goals,” Mohammedan SC and Odisha FC perfected the art of not scoring.
With Gomez hitting the crossbar and Manzoki nearly grazing it, you'd think they were aiming for a new sport.
Odisha held the ball, but forgot the part where they shoot on target.
The match ended 0-0, but hey, Mohammedan finally stopped losing. Small wins?
Williams’ double trouble sinks Chennaiyin in a defensive comedy
Bengaluru FC edged a 4-2 thriller over Chennaiyin FC, with Ryan Williams scoring twice and Renthlei generously donating an own goal.
Chennaiyin played like lions in the first half, only to transform into kittens when it mattered.
Gurpreet had a "butterfingers moment," but the Blues didn't mind as they exploited the high press like kids in a candy store.
Chennaiyin’s defense? About as reliable as a paper umbrella on a rainy day.
Pratik’s rocket sinks Blasters; Clean sheets remain a 2025 goal
Jamshedpur FC broke Kerala Blasters’ unbeaten streak with a 1-0 win, thanks to Pratik Chaudhari, who reminded everyone that defenders can score rockets too.
The Blasters missed chances like they were allergic to the goal, with Peprah and Hernandez vying for the “Who can shoot wider?” award.
Meanwhile, Kerala’s streak of avoiding away clean sheets throughout 2024 stayed gloriously intact – because why start now when the New Year was just days away?
Highlanders shock Islanders: Ajaraie’s magic and Mumbai’s misery
NorthEast United ended their year on a high, dismantling Mumbai City FC 3-0 in their own backyard. Ajaraie wasted no time, scoring in just 46 seconds – a speed run to break records and Mumbai hearts.
Despite Rehenesh’s heroics, including a penalty save, the Islanders' defense looked more open than a 24-hour diner.
With Ajaraie bagging a brace and Macarton Nickson adding the finishing touch, NorthEast sent a loud, and flawless, reminder that underdogs bite back.
From Rodriguez turning into a goal machine to Mohammedan SC discovering the joy of not losing, Matchweek 14 showcased everything that makes the ISL entertaining.
As 2024 comes to a close, the drama continues to unfold.
Who will rise, who will fall, and who will hit the crossbar next week? Stay tuned.
