Matchweek 4 of the Indian Super League 2025/26 season delivered everything football fans crave: high-scoring thrillers, historic individual performances, late comebacks, and several teams finally opening their points tally in a gripping weekend of action across India.
East Bengal and FC Goa Cancel Each Other Out in Tactical Stalemate
The matchweek began with a tactical stalemate between East Bengal FC and FC Goa, as both sides played out a goalless draw.
East Bengal dominated possession and controlled the midfield, consistently pushing forward and creating attacking opportunities but struggling to find the finishing touch in the final third.
Midfielder Mohamad Rashid came closest to scoring in the first half with a powerful long-range strike that rattled the crossbar. Goa remained patient and relied on counter-attacks, with Raynier Fernandes nearly breaking the deadlock but sending his effort over the bar.
Despite East Bengal registering 20 shots compared to Goa’s 6, both teams managed only 2 shots on target each, forcing them to settle for a point apiece, the first ever stalemate between the two clubs in the league.
Jamie Maclaren’s Historic Poker Powers Mohun Bagan Past Odisha
Friday’s double-header then shifted the spotlight to Kolkata, where Mohun Bagan Super Giant delivered a spectacular attacking performance to defeat Odisha FC 5-1.
Australian striker Jamie Maclaren produced a sensational four-goal masterclass, becoming only the second player in ISL history to score a poker (four goals in a single match).
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The Mariners took control early as captain Subhasish Bose delivered a perfect cross for Maclaren to head home in the 14th minute. Maclaren doubled the lead ten minutes later before defender Alberto Rodríguez added a stunning long-range goal just before halftime.
Although Rahim Ali briefly pulled one back for Odisha, Maclaren completed his hat-trick before halftime and later added a fourth goal after a long ball from Manvir Singh, sealing a commanding victory for Mohun Bagan.
Ten-Man Jamshedpur Show Grit to Edge Inter Kashi
In another gripping encounter, Jamshedpur FC edged past Inter Kashi FC 1-0 despite playing most of the match with ten men.
The game turned dramatic early when winger Vincy Barretto received a straight red card for a high challenge, leaving the hosts under pressure.
Inter Kashi attempted to capitalize on their numerical advantage and pushed forward repeatedly, but Jamshedpur remained organized defensively.
The breakthrough arrived in the 57th minute when captain Stephen Eze guided a set-piece delivery from Madih Talal into the net. Goalkeeper Albino Gomes then produced several crucial saves to protect the lead and secure a hard-fought win.
Bengaluru FC Dominate to Secure Crucial Away Victory
Saturday’s afternoon clash saw Bengaluru FC deliver a strong performance against Mohammedan SC.
Veteran striker Sunil Chhetri threatened early with multiple attempts on goal as Bengaluru controlled the tempo of the match.
The breakthrough came when Ryan Williams reacted quickest to a deflected ball to tap home from close range. Bengaluru doubled their lead before halftime when Ashique Kuruniyan fired a powerful shot that beat the goalkeeper despite getting a touch.
Mohammedan briefly threatened through a strike from Mahitosh Roy, but Bengaluru’s defense stayed composed to seal an important victory.
Chennaiyin FC Claim First Win as Kerala Blasters Struggles Continue
Later in Kochi, Chennaiyin FC secured their first win of the season by defeating Kerala Blasters FC.
Chennaiyin started aggressively and created early attacking opportunities, with Imran Khan playing a key role in their forward play.
The decisive moment arrived just before halftime when Imran curled a shot into the far corner after a through pass from Alberto Noguera. The effort deflected off Hormipam Ruivah and beat goalkeeper Arsh Anwer Shaikh.
Kerala Blasters responded strongly in the second half and created several clear chances but were unable to convert, suffering their fourth consecutive defeat of the season.
SC Delhi Stage Comeback to Earn Historic First Point
Sunday night action saw Mumbai City FC held to a 2-2 draw by SC Delhi at the Mumbai Football Arena.
Mumbai made a perfect start as striker Jorge Pereyra Díaz headed home from close range inside the opening five minutes. The Islanders doubled their advantage when Brandon Fernandes threaded a precise pass for Noufal, who finished clinically.
Delhi pulled a goal back before halftime through Manoj Mohammad after a defensive error. The visitors completed a dramatic comeback in the 73rd minute when Matija Babović produced a brilliant run through the defense before finishing calmly to make it 2-2 and secure the club’s first-ever ISL point.
Punjab and NorthEast Share Points in Tight Contest
The final match of the week saw Punjab FC face NorthEast United FC in New Delhi in a closely contested battle dominated by midfield duels.
Punjab came close in the first half with Dani Ramírez testing goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh twice.
NorthEast eventually broke the deadlock in the second half when Parthib Gogoi finished clinically into the bottom corner after an assist from Rinzuala.
Punjab responded quickly as Effiong Nsungusi produced a clever back-heel finish from close range, assisted by substitute Muhammad Suhail.
The hosts thought they had won the game late on when Samir Zeljković scored from a Dani Ramírez free-kick, but the goal was ruled out for offside. The match ultimately ended in a 1-1 draw, ensuring both teams walked away with a point.
Matchweek 4 Takeaways
Matchweek 4 of the ISL 2025/26 season showcased the league’s competitiveness and attacking football, highlighted by Jamie Maclaren’s historic four-goal performance, resilient defensive displays, and dramatic comebacks that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
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