Top 10 most dramatic moments in ISL history

In it’s ten years of existence, the Indian Super League has witnessed numerous dramatic moments.

Few sports capture the hearts and minds of people quite like football. Indian Super League (ISL) has always brought the most exciting matches with late twists. Often referred to as the ‘beautiful game,’ it has produced iconic moments that immortalize and reverberate around the world, sparking discussions that endure. In the realm of football, tragedies have unfolded, and players have succumbed to emotional outbursts, yet there are also instances where teams exceed all expectations.

These moments encapsulate the rollercoaster of emotions inherent in football, continually reigniting the passion of its fans. With each turn of the game clock, football, and ISL have the remarkable ability to transition tears into joy and vice versa, leaving spectators entranced by its unpredictability. Truly, no other sport can evoke such a spectrum of emotions, weaving a narrative that keeps fans enamored time and time again.

Presented here are the top ten dramatic moments from the history of the Indian Super League (ISL).

10. Fikru nets the maiden goal in ISL history

In the inaugural match of the ISL on October 12, 2014, Atletico de Kolkata’s Fikru Teferra Lemessa made history by scoring the league’s first-ever goal against Mumbai City FC. The Ethiopian striker accomplished this feat in just 27 minutes, etching his name in the record books. Following his goal, Fikru executed a flawless backflip in front of a roaring crowd at the packed Salt Lake Stadium, igniting an electric atmosphere. This iconic moment marked the beginning of India’s premier football competition, setting the stage for its continued success.

9. Hyderabad’s all-Indian team secures victory against Chennai

Hyderabad FC has secured a significant place in Indian football history by becoming the first club to claim victory in the Indian Super League (ISL) with an all-Indian starting eleven. Guided by coach Thangboi Singto, the team achieved this milestone during the ISL 2023-24 campaign in a match against Chennaiyin FC held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium.

In a closely contested encounter, Hyderabad FC emerged victorious with a slender 1-0 win over the Marina Machans. The match witnessed several near misses, with the goalposts rattling numerous times. However, it was Sajjad Parray’s 89th-minute strike that ultimately sealed the win for Hyderabad FC.

Despite late drama involving Mohammed Rafi receiving a red card in added time, the visitors had already accomplished their mission by then. This historic triumph showcased Hyderabad FC’s prowess and marked a memorable moment in the ISL’s rich tapestry.

8. Hyderabad FC clinches their first championship title

In a thrilling finale at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, Goa, Hyderabad FC secured their inaugural ISL title by defeating Kerala Blasters FC 3-1 in a penalty shootout. Guided by Manolo Márquez, Hyderabad had an impressive league phase, finishing second with 38 points from 20 matches, trailing table-toppers Jamshedpur FC by five points.

Their journey to the final included a hard-fought 3-2 aggregate victory over ATK Mohun Bagan in the ISL 2021-22 semi-finals. This triumph surprised many, as Hyderabad surpassed expectations and delivered a remarkable performance both on and off the field. This victory marked a historic moment for the club and brought immense joy to their devoted fanbase.

7. Odisha FC outlasts East Bengal in the highest-scoring ISL match ever, 6-5

The final group match between Odisha FC and SC East Bengal in the 2020-21 ISL season made history as the highest-scoring match in Indian Super League (ISL) history.

SC East Bengal opened the scoring in the 24th minute, with Anthony Pilkington finding the net from the edge of the box. However, just nine minutes later, East Bengal conceded a goal from an Odisha corner when Lalhrezuala Sailung slotted the ball into the net. Despite this setback, East Bengal went into halftime with a 2-1 lead, as a comedic own goal ensued in the 36th minute when winger Manu Onwu’s clearance attempt ricocheted off Odisha custodian Ravi Kumar and ended up in the net.

The second half witnessed a flurry of goals and a string of defensive errors. Ultimately, Odisha emerged victorious with a 6-5 win, thanks to second-half braces from Indian youngsters Paul Ramfangzauva (49′, 66′) and Jerry Mawihmingthanga (51′, 67′), along with a goal from Diego Mauricio. This remarkable match showcased both the offensive prowess and defensive lapses, leaving Odisha FC with the final triumph.

6. Elano going to jail

One of the most controversial moments in the history of the Indian Super League (ISL) unfolded when Chennaiyin FC’s marquee footballer, Elano Blumer, was arrested on charges of assaulting an FC Goa owner. Elano was subsequently granted bail, but the incident sparked significant attention and debate.

Reports indicated that the former Brazil footballer was arrested under sections IPC 323, 341, and 504, which pertain to voluntarily causing hurt, wrongful restraint, and intentional insult to provoke a breach of peace. The altercation allegedly occurred after Chennaiyin FC’s victory over FC Goa, during which Elano attempted to calm a Brazilian staff member of FC Goa’s technical team near their dugout. However, he soon found himself surrounded by FC Goa players and staff, leading to a confrontation.

Amidst the chaos, one of the FC Goa owners complained to the police, alleging that Elano had struck him. This incident cast a shadow over the ISL. It garnered widespread attention, particularly as Elano did not return to India following the altercation, marking a significant turning point in his relationship with the league.

5. Vikram dedicates his goal to his father

Forward Vikram Partap Singh played a pivotal role in Mumbai City FC’s 2-0 victory over Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) at the Mumbai Football Arena. Singh’s exceptional performance saw him score both game goals, one in each half, ultimately proving decisive in securing the win. Despite being substituted in the 66th minute for Bipin Singh, Vikram had left an indelible mark on the match with his impactful contribution.

The Chandigarh-born player, visibly energized after celebrating both goals, dedicated his stellar performance to his late father, who passed away in January. Singh expressed, “Those goals were for my father. Even every goal that I scored was for him. He’s not here now, but I know he’s watching me from above.” This heartfelt dedication added an emotional layer to Singh’s remarkable display on the field.

4. The most intense showdown between Mumbai City FC and Kerala Blasters.

In their inaugural home game of the season, Mumbai City FC secured a hard-fought victory over Kerala Blasters FC with goals from Jorge Pereyra Diaz and Lalengmawia Ralte in the ISL. The match, characterized by its intensity, escalated into chaos during the final minutes. The referee was compelled to issue a total of 10 yellow cards and two straight red cards as tensions boiled over both on the pitch and in the dugouts.

In a particularly contentious moment during the match, with 10 minutes of added time in the second half, Kerala’s Milos Drincic’s altercation with Mumbai’s Mehtab Singh resulted in a melee. Drincic was subsequently shown a red card, and Yoell van Nieff also received a red card for his involvement in the ensuing fracas. Additionally, Prabir Das and Rostyn Griffiths were embroiled in their issues, further adding to the volatile atmosphere of the match.

3. FC Goa dominates Mumbai City FC with a resounding 7-0 victory.

FC Goa’s remarkable 7-0 triumph over Mumbai City FC in 2015 remains the largest victory margin in the history of the Indian Super League. Under the guidance of Brazilian legend Zico, the Gaurs dominated from the start, securing a comfortable 2-0 lead by halftime. However, in the second half, FC Goa’s attacking prowess truly shone, as they netted an additional five goals past the Islanders’ defense.

Semboi Haokip and Nigerian center-forward Dudu each secured hat-tricks, much to the delight of the fans at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The record-breaking victory was sealed in style when Reinaldo found the net in the 90th minute, capping off an extraordinary performance by FC Goa.

2. Kerala Blasters walkout vs Bengaluru FC

In the 96th minute, Bengaluru FC won a promising free-kick. Sunil Chhetri cleverly chipped the ball over Blasters goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Gill, who had come off his line, scoring into the empty net. Referee Crystal John awarded the goal despite protests from Gill and Adrian Luna. Blasters coach Ivan Vukmanovic demanded the decision be overturned but to no avail. Vukmanovic then directed his players to walk off the field in protest. Five minutes later, the Kerala Blasters left the pitch, never to return. Twenty minutes later, with the clock at 120:00, Crystal John blew the final whistle, sending Bengaluru FC into a semi-final clash against Mumbai City FC.

1. The dramatics unfold in the 2015 ISL Final.

Goa advanced to the final by defeating Delhi Dynamos with a 3-1 aggregate score, while Chennaiyin secured their spot by defeating Atletico De Kolkata with a 4-2 aggregate score in the semi-finals. The second half of the final commenced with Mendoza earning a penalty for Chennaiyin F.C. after a foul from Kattimani. Although Pellisari initially missed the penalty, he scored on the rebound. Goa swiftly responded with a goal from Haokip, assisted by Leo Moura.

In the dying minutes, Jofre scored from a free kick in the 87th minute, seemingly sealing the win for Goa. However, shortly after play resumed, Kattimani’s attempted clearance resulted in an own goal, equalizing for Chennaiyin in the 90th minute. Chennaiyin then capitalized on their momentum, as Jayesh Rane chipped the ball to Mendoza, who dribbled past three players and scored. The game concluded with a shot from Reinaldo that went off-target, allowing Chennaiyin to lift the trophy for the first time in what is widely regarded as one of the best finals in ISL history.

Notable Mention – Bright’s incredible solo goals against the Gaurs

Bright Enobakhare’s dazzling solo goal marked a standout moment in the history of the Indian Super League, securing SC East Bengal a 1-1 draw against FC Goa. The Nigerian, who previously plied his trade with Premier League outfit Wolverhampton Wanderers for five years, left an indelible impact on the match. Enobakhare stood out as his team’s standout performer, orchestrating play from midfield and effortlessly eluding defenders with his nimble footwork.

Enobakhare’s moment of brilliance arrived in the 80th minute when he received a pass from Maghoma. Embarking on a mesmerizing solo run, he showcased exceptional skill as he bypassed challenges from Princeton Rebello, Aiban Dohling, Ivan Gonzalez, and Saviour Gama before calmly slotting the ball past goalkeeper Mohammed Nawaz. This breathtaking display not only propelled SC East Bengal into the lead but also underscored Enobakhare’s immense talent and influence on the game.

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