ISL 2025-26: Miguel Figueira, Nikhil Poojary lead charge in Team of the Week for Matchweek 1

Odisha FC vs Punjab FC ISL Match Postponed to May 11

As supporters eagerly awaited the start of the Indian Super League 2025/26 season, the campaign has finally sprung to life, completing its opening matchweek in style.

It proved to be an eventful and entertaining start, with drama on and off the pitch, from 41-year-old Sunil Chhetri finding the back of the net once again to animated touchline debates over refereeing decisions.

Mohun Bagan SG began the league season with a straightforward 2-0 victory versus Kerala Blasters, while freshly promoted Inter Kashi had to settle for a draw against FC Goa after taking the lead.

Owen Coyle made his return to Jamshedpur FC with a 1-0 win against a spirited Mohammedan SC in the third game, while Bengaluru FC crushed Sporting Club Delhi’s hope for ISL debut win with a 2-0 victory at home.

East Bengal FC cruised to a commanding 3-0 win over NorthEast United FC in the fifth game of the week, while Mumbai City FC edged past Chennaiyin FC 1-0 to bring the opening matchweek to a close.

Despite returning from a lengthy break and still working their way back to full match sharpness, several players stood out with impressive performances.

Here are the 11 stars who made it into the Khel Now Team of the Week for ISL Matchweek 1.

Formation: 4-4-2

GK – Mohammad Nawaz

Mumbai City enjoyed a dominant first half, attacking Chennaiyin’s defense on all fronts and Mohammad Nawaz was everywhere, making a couple of vital stops to keep the scoreboard intact.

He dealt with every threat, regardless of whether it came from long shots or set pieces. He was so effective against the Mumbai attackers that he allowed just an own goal from one of his own defenders.

RB – Nikhil Poojary

The Bengaluru FC right-back began the season with an outstanding performance against Sporting Club Delhi. Defensively, he helped his team retain a clean sheet by keeping Sporting Club Delhi’s left winger Mohammed Aimen quiet and not allowing him any chance to work his magic.

Moving forward, he was able to get into the box at the perfect time to set up Bengaluru FC’s opening goal, which was converted by Sivasakthi Narayanan.

Overall, Nikhil didn’t just show up against SC Delhi; he rose to the occasion with a commanding and influential performance, stamping his authority on the game from start to finish, earning the Man of the match accolade.

CB – Stephen Eze

Another ISL game, another great defensive effort from Stephen Eze. Despite playing against a weakened all-Indian Mohemmadan side, Wadoo’s team had remarkable aggression and energy in getting forward and scoring a goal.

Every time they had the ball, they kicked the ball forward, but Eze was there at the back, winning all of his aerial duels and preventing the opposition attacks. He came close to scoring a couple of times in the offensive set pieces.

CB – Valpuia

Although the whole Mumbai City backline worked tirelessly to maintain their clean sheet, Valpuia’s crucial clearances and last-ditch tackles kept the Chennaiyin forwards at bay. To stop Irfan Yadwad, who was always trying to arrive at the far post, Valpuia, who started as a right back, frequently had to tuck in. Valpuia, 25, appears to be a leader on the Mumbai backline and has demonstrated why he is one of India’s best defenders.

LB – Abhishek Singh Tekcham

Abhishek Singh could not have wished for a better ISL debut than the one he made against Kerala Blasters FC in the season opener.

Abhishek started as a right-back but was changed to left-back at halftime after Subhasish Bose was substituted.

Abhishek was effective defensively and spectacular offensively, with his important pass providing the pre-assist for Maclaren’s opening goal.

With 5 key passes, 11 recoveries, and 15 effective defensive actions, Abhishek was a full package.

CM – Mohammed Azhar

The famed Kerala Blasters twins, Aimen and Azhar, have moved to SC Delhi in search of greater opportunity to express themselves and reach their full potential.

And that’s exactly what Azhar did, seizing the chance with a great performance against Bengaluru FC. Despite the defeat, Azhar impressed with his passing and played an important role in Delhi’s effort to switch flanks with long balls from midfield.

Defensively, he won all of his ground duels and was always hunting for forward passes anytime he had the ball at his feet.

CM – Anirudh Thapa

Thapa and Apuia were quite efficient in the Mohun Bagan SG midfield during their 2-0 victory against Kerala Blasters FC.

Apuia was occasionally utilized as a third center back in the Mariners’ defense during buildup, and Thapa had to do a job on his own against players like Rowllin Borges and Danish Farooq.

Thapa was press-resistant and kept the ball in midfield, denying Kerala Blasters the opportunity to create offensive moves. He even assisted Tom Aldred’s goal in second-half stoppage time.

Read More: Could Anirudh Thapa be the biggest benefactor under Sergio Lobera in ISL 2025-26?

CAM – Miguel Figueria

There was one notable Brazilian on the pitch who dominated the midfield when East Bengal emerged victorious against NorthEast United FC.

It was none other than Miguel Figueira. Miguel was everywhere and a constant threat whether it was tracking back and winning duels, making tackles, or getting the ball forward and challenging the opposing defense.

CAM – Madih Talal

As players frequently point out, one setback or injury does not define your career; rather, it often provides a chance to work hard and come back strong.

That is precisely what Madih Talal demonstrated with his return to the ISL following an ACL injury sustained last season. He embraced his comeback with a well-taken goal and created many scoring opportunities and important passes.

With Owen Coyle in charge, it appears like Talal has entire license to express himself on the pitch.

ST – Sunil Chhetri

Sunil Chhetri, a 31-year-old, made his ISL debut for Mumbai City FC ten years ago and was a regular on the ISL TOTW’s.

Fast forward ten years and the same youngster is still smashing ISL records with ease, as if he isn’t tired of it yet.

Despite coming off as a substitute, he demonstrated his value with a long-range goal against Sporting Club Delhi, becoming the ISL’s oldest goalscorer.

ST – Youssef Ezzejjari

For years, East Bengal has failed to find a clinical forward who can hit the ground running and score consistently.

Players like Siverio had difficulty adapting, whilst Diamantakos took his time settling in. Ezzejjari appears to be the right person for the job.

Although it is early in the season, the two goals versus NorthEast United will give Oscar Bruzon and East Bengal fans plenty to get excited about.

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