ISL 2025-26: Sanan, Babovic lead charge in Team of the Week for Matchweek 10
Mumbai City FC fail to capitalise on the opportunity to go top of the 2025-26 ISL table.
In a 13-game season, 10 match weeks of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 have now been completed, with both the title race and relegation battle intensifying heading into the final stretch of the campaign.
Kerala Blasters extended their winning streak in ISL to four matches with a 2-1 victory over Odisha FC in the opening game of the week. NorthEast United’s poor run of form continued as they suffered a 2-0 defeat to FC Goa in the following fixture.
Bengaluru FC and Mumbai City FC played out a goalless 0-0 draw in the third game of the week, while Owen Coyle showed no mercy against his former side Chennaiyin FC, guiding Jamshedpur FC to a dominant 4-1 win at the Furnace.
Mohammedan’s hopes in the relegation battle received another boost after a 2-2 draw against SC Delhi in the final game of the week. Only 10 teams were in action this week, with Inter Kashi, East Bengal, Punjab FC and Mohun Bagan all enjoying a rest.
Mohun Bagan SG continues to lead the ISL standings by one point with a game in hand, while FC Goa has climbed to second place after securing three consecutive wins. Mohammedan now have three points on the board, sitting behind Odisha FC and Northeast United FC respectively at the bottom of the table.
From Matias’ last-minute winner to stunning left-footed strike from Yasir into the top-right corner, this ISL matchweek produced several memorable goals on the pitch.
Off the pitch, a couple of records were also broken, with Goa registering their first ISL win in Guwahati in almost eleven years, while Amogh Adige became the youngest manager in ISL history.
Here are 11 players that grabbed our interest and made it into our ISL 2025-26 squad of the week for MW 10.
Formation (4-4-2)
GK: Arsh Anwar
Although Arsh was unable to keep a second consecutive clean sheet of the ISL season, the Kerala Blasters goalkeeper still delivered a commendable performance between the sticks against Odisha FC. He made a number of important saves, including two brilliant stops from long-range efforts by Rahim Ali and Isak.
In the final moments of the game, Arsh made an excellent charge off his line to narrow the angle for Zuidika, who came inches away from rescuing a point for the visitors.
LB: Aakash Sangwan
Sangwan enjoyed a relatively comfortable outing defensively in the Gaurs’ 2-0 win over NorthEast United FC in Guwahati. Up against Jithin MS, Aakash was sharp defensively, winning several key tackles and interceptions. He registered 4 defensive recoveries and won 4 aerial and ground duels combined.
Going forward, Sangwan also provided an assist in the closing stages, setting up Yasir for a brilliant left-footed finish into the top-right corner.
CB: Chinglensana Singh
While Bengaluru FC’s task against Mumbai’s attack was eased before kick-off with Diaz unavailable and Chhangte starting as a false 9, Chinglensana still produced an outstanding display at the back to preserve the clean sheet.
Up against Chhangte, Sana used his physicality and aerial strength to win all of his aerial duels, while also making 4 clearances and a crucial interception.
He completed the most passes in the game, recycling possession efficiently. He also came close to scoring from a header early in the first half.
CB: Hira Mondal
With every passing ISL match week, Hira continues to impress at both ends of the pitch. The Mohammedan SC full-back delivered another crucial performance in his side’s 2-2 draw against SC Delhi after winning the MOTM award in the previous game.
Hira managed to keep both Aimen and Augustine quiet for most parts of the match, winning all of his tackles while making three interceptions and clearances.
He also won six duels and scored a crucial close-range equalizer to earn his side a valuable point in the relegation battle.
RB: Nikhil Barla
Operating as a left-back instead of his usual right-back role, Barla once again showcased his quality with another excellent display, contributing both defensively and in attack. He was effective at the back, though he perhaps could have done better in closing down the angle for the wonder strike by Prakadeswaran.
Going forward, Barla created two of the four goals his side scored. His first contribution was a brilliant left-footed cross towards the far post that was headed home by Messi Bouli, while he later played an excellent pass to set up Nikola for the fourth goal of the game.
LM: Mohammed Sanan
While Sanan’s quality and talent had always been clear to see, the dynamic winger had struggled to find consistent returns in terms of goals and assists in the ISL 2025-26 season. Against Chennaiyin, he finally found his scoring touch, netting a brace against Clifford Miranda’s side.
His first goal was a calm left-footed finish after a clever dummy to beat Dinlina and give his side the lead. The second came after a brilliant run in behind the Chennaiyin defence, where he rounded Nawaz in a one-on-one situation before finishing into an empty net.
CM: Zothanpuia
Zothanpuia, commonly known as Puipuia, was handed his first start of the ISL season by Petr Kratky in a crucial clash against Bengaluru FC.
The 20-year-old midfielder impressed in the middle of the park alongside Kauko against the likes of Kuziev, Fanai and Sanchez.
He recovered the ball seven times while winning six duels and making several blocks and interceptions to disrupt play in midfield.
On a pitch featuring the likes of Chhangte and Brandon, Puipuia was also entrusted with set-piece duties, and the youngster looked dangerous with every delivery.
CM: Nikola Stojanovic
With Talal returning to the starting XI, Nikola was asked to operate in a deeper midfield role alongside Lalhriatpuia Chawngthu. The Serbian midfielder, however, continued to stamp his authority on the game with yet another excellent display.
He was calm and composed in possession, while also contributing strongly defensively by winning crucial interceptions and duels, giving Noguera little room to create chances.
He capped off his performance with a brilliant left-footed strike from the edge of the box, leaving Nawaz with no chance in goal.
RM: Rosenberg Gabriel
Making only his second start of the season, Rosenberg produced an outstanding display on the wings in Jamshedpur FC’s 4-1 victory over Chennaiyin FC at the Furnace. He linked up brilliantly with Sanan and Messi Bouli, registering two assists while creating several other chances.
His first assist was a dangerous low cross from the right flank across the face of goal towards Sanan at the far post.
The second came from a brilliant leap to get ahead of Eduardo Kau and flick the ball into Sanan’s path, who made no mistake once again.
ST: Victor Bertomeu
After failing to score in the last two home games against Jamshedpur FC and NorthEast United FC, Bertomeu returned to scoring ways with a goal against Odisha FC in front of the Kerala Blasters faithful.
Bertomeu did brilliantly inside the box to control Yoke’s deflected ball with an excellent first touch before calmly poking it past Amrinder Singh in goal.
Aside from the goal, he also had a couple of good shots and created chances for the likes of Franchu and Nihal.
ST: Matija Babovic
Another home game, another goal for Matija Babovic. Having stepped up from the I-League to the ISL, Babovic is gradually finding his rhythm in the top tier, having now scored or assisted in four of the last five matches.
He netted a brace in his side’s 2-2 draw against Mohammedan SC in Delhi. The first goal was a well-taken penalty into the bottom-right corner, while the second was a poacher’s finish as he reacted quickest after Joseph Sunny’s poor touch fell straight into his path.
Who is the leading assist provider in the 2025-26 ISL season after MW-10?
Kerala Blasters youngster Ebindas provided yet another assist this week and lead the assists chart in ISL 2025/26 with five assists so far.
How many teams are still in the race for the 2025-26 ISL title?
As many as six teams are in the race for the 2025/26 ISL title with Mohun Bagan leading the race.
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Shyam Sundar is an Indian football fan turned writer who has been covering the sport since 2023, after following it closely since 2020. He has reported on the ISL, I-League, IWL, and Indian national team matches. A passionate football enthusiast, he holds a special place in his heart for Chennaiyin FC and Manchester United.