ISL: Top five hat-tricks in the history of competition

Bipin Singh's hat-trick for Mumbai City on Wednesday was only the 25th such feat in seven years of the competition.

Hat-tricks are a rather uncommon occurrence in the Indian Super League (ISL). Infact, Bipin Singh’s treble against Odisha FC on Wednesday was only the 25th such feat in seven long years of the competition. There are a few players like Marcelinho, Iain Hume, Sunil Chhetri, Modou Sougou, Stiven Mendoza, Ferran Corominas and Bartholomew Ogbeche who have netted thrice in a game on multiple occasions.

However, some hat-tricks are etched in people’s memories more than others. In the context of Singh’s incredible performance, let us have a look at the five best hat-tricks in ISL history.

5. Seiminlen Doungel

Seiminlen Doungel can be termed as one of those players who go missing for some period of time and then deliver a stunner out of the blue. He has netted eight times in 78 ISL appearances over the years. However, his most memorable outing came in the 2017-18 season against champions Chennaiyin FC. Doungel opened the scoring for NorthEast United through his initial strike in the 42nd minute. He doubled his tally with Danilo’s assist in the 62nd minute.

Chennaiyin began pegging NorthEast United back through some potent waves of attacks in the final quarter of the game. However, Halicharan Narzary setup another goal for Doungel to cap off a remarkable performance for the young lad.

4. Stiven Mendoza

https://youtu.be/CvXsA4fb680

Stiven Mendoza was one of the earliest stars of the ISL. His dynamic goalscoring ability coupled with some striking creativity instantly caught the attention of the audience. One of the foremost testaments of his talent was his hat-trick against FC Goa in the second season in October 2015.

The Colombian had propelled Chennaiyin to success in the ISL that year and he had embarked on that journey wonderfully too. Mendoza kicked off proceedings positively through a goal in the 10th minute. It was one-way traffic since then as Chennaiyin netted four times. Mendoza bagged two goals in the last 30 minutes too. Elano Blumer and Bruno Pelissari had assisted the forward, as the Marina Machans made a statement of intent.

3. Diego Forlan

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SX5yTPPVhS0

Diego Forlan’s introduction to the ISL was one of the most prominent advertisements of the league. He joined Mumbai City FC in 2016 and the former Manchester United striker exuded his dynamism in abundance in that short spell. Mumbai rolled over Kerala Blasters 5-0 and Forlan set the tone for the same through two early goals in the first 15 minutes.

The atmosphere was remarkably brightened up at the fully-packed Mumbai Football Arena. Forlan bettered that performance through a third strike in the 63rd minute, whilst also wiping off any chances for the Blasters to spark a comeback in the game. Cafu and Lucian Goian netted a goal apiece to complete a five-star performance for the Islanders.

2. Bipin Singh

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pImDu4xLOrE

Mumbai City’s hopes of AFC Champions League qualification was hinging on a thin rope before their campaign was rescued by Bipin Singh. The winger has improved leaps and bounds under Sergio Lobera’s tutelage in 2020-21 and the best evidence of the same was his performance in the all-important clash against Odisha FC.

Singh instigated the showing through his goals in the 38th, 47th and finally the 86th minute. The Indian is now playing his fourth consecutive season of the ISL. However, 55.55% of his goals and 66.66% of his assists have come in the ongoing season.

1. Ferran Corominas

https://youtu.be/J3FMLZS8xLk

Most of the hat-tricks listed in this article have come in one-sided encounters. However, the first of Ferran Corominas’ two trebles in the ISL came in a very challenging contest. Both Bengaluru FC and FC Goa continue to remain neck-to-neck competitors and the rivalry was only brewing in 2017-18. The Spaniard drew first blood in the 16th minute via an assist from Edu Bedia. However, Miku levelled scores only four minutes later.

Corominas restored the lead in the 33rd minute and was assisted by Bruno Pinheiro this time around. Luckily for FC Goa, Manuel Lanzarote converted from the spot in the 40th minute to help the Gaurs head into half-time with a 3-1 lead. However, Erik Paartulu and Miku sprang into action, as they scored a goal each and again level the scores 3-3 by the 60th minute.

Keeping up with the fast pace of the encounter, Corominas displayed innate efficiency to put the ball into the back of the net in the 63rd minute.