Matchweek 3 of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025/26 delivered elite-level drama, high-scoring encounters, late winners, tactical masterclasses, and historic milestones.
From possession based dominance to counter-attacking efficiency, this round reshaped the early ISL standings and intensified the emerging title race.
The Gaurs Grind It Out with Tactical Discipline
FC Goa as usual showcased their trademark possession-based football to edge past SC Delhi in a tightly contested encounter.
Dejan Dražić opened the scoring just before half-time, rewarding Goa’s patient build-up play.
A penalty opportunity followed after a handball by Ayush Adhikari, but Dražić failed to convert from the spot, sending the ball over the crossbar.
Despite a few promising moves from SC Delhi, their struggles in the final third continued as Goa’s defensive structure held firm. Under Manolo Marquez, FC Goa secured their second consecutive win, while their opponents continued to search for form early in the ISL 2025/26 season.
Owen Coyle’s Tactical Masterstroke Preserves Jamshedpur FC’s Perfect Start
The blockbuster clash between East Bengal FC and Jamshedpur FC in Kolkata lived up to expectations.
Edmund Lalrindika gave East Bengal the lead just before the break, igniting hopes of maintaining their unbeaten run.
Jamshedpur responded in the second half as captain Stephen Eze powered in a header from Nikola Stojanović’s corner in the 60th minute.
The decisive moment came in the 84th minute when Owen Coyle introduced Rei Tachikawa. Three minutes later, the substitute curled home a sensational winner, sealing Jamshedpur’s third straight victory and maintaining their 100% record, while East Bengal suffered their first defeat of the campaign.
Nsungusi Jnr’s Clinical Finishing Silences the Bengaluru Fortress
Punjab FC stunned Bengaluru FC with a commanding away performance.
Effiong Nsungusi Jnr opened the scoring from a Manglenthang Kipgen cross before unleashing a powerful long-range strike to complete his brace in the first-half.
Punjab’s aggressive pressing and composure in the final third exposed Bengaluru’s attacking struggles, highlighted by an xG of just 0.06 in the first half.
It marked Punjab’s first win of the ISL 2025/26 season and Bengaluru’s first defeat — and at home.
History Made as Inter Kashi Register First-Ever ISL Win
Inter Kashi FC scripted a landmark moment by defeating Kerala Blasters FC in Kochi.
Nauris Petkevičius stunned the hosts with a sublime finish in the 34th minute, assisted by Alfred Planas.
In the second half, Antonio López Habas deployed a five-at-the-back system, and Inter Kashi executed their counter-attacking strategy to perfection as Alfred Planas doubled the lead.
Victor Bertomeu pulled one back late, but Kerala’s finishing woes continued, resulting in their third consecutive loss while Inter Kashi celebrated a historic breakthrough in the Indian Super League.
The Mariners Run Riot in the Mini Kolkata Derby
The mini Kolkata derby at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan turned into a showcase of dominance for Mohun Bagan Super Giant against Mohammedan SC.
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Lalthankima initially shocked the home crowd with an early goal, but Robson Azevedo ‘Robinho’ equalised and quickly added his second before being subbed off due to precautionary measures.
Jamie Maclaren continued his prolific form with his third goal in three matches. Manvir Singh and Dimitri Petratos added further goals as Mohun Bagan overwhelmed their rivals with 74% possession, 29 total shots, and a dominant xG of 2.76 in a statement 5-1 victory.
Odisha and Chennaiyin Share the Spoils
An end-to-end battle at Kalinga Stadium saw Odisha FC and Chennaiyin FC play out an entertaining 1-1 draw.
Chennaiyin enjoyed 67% of ball possession in the first half and continued threatening Odisha’s defense and as a result secured a goal just before half-time as Elsinho’s header went straight into the centre of the net following a corner kick from Farukh Choudhary.
Odisha captain Carlos Delgado equalised in the second half from a set-piece as well, ensuring both teams walked away with a point in a fiercely contested tactical encounter.
Late Drama at Mumbai Football Arena
The final game of MatchWeek 3 saw Mumbai City FC host NorthEast United FC at the Mumbai Football Arena.
Mumbai dominated possession throughout, but NorthEast’s counterattacking approach proved dangerous. Jithin Madathil Subran gave the Highlanders the lead in the second half with a right-footed finish in the top right corner assisted by Rinzuala from a set-piece situation.
However, relentless pressure from Mumbai City paid off at the end when Lallianzuala Chhangte struck late with a header from very close range to secure a 1-1 draw for the Islanders.
Matchweek 3 Takeaways: The ISL Title Race Intensifies
Matchweek 3 of the Indian Super League 2025/26 highlighted tactical evolution, attacking efficiency, and defensive resilience across teams.
Jamshedpur FC remained perfect, Mohun Bagan SG sent a powerful derby statement, and Inter Kashi etched their name into ISL history.
With momentum building and competition tightening, the ISL 2025/26 season promises even greater drama in the weeks ahead.
Matchweek 4 Fixtures
