Round one of the thirteenth edition of the Indian Super League saw 6 matches, with every team playing a match each except East Bengal, who had to compete in the AFC Champions League-Two, where they faced Al Shorta SC and fell short by a goal with a score of 3-2.
The new season kicked off with a clash between Bengaluru FC and SC Delhi at Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru, where the hosts got the better of the Delhi-based side with a narrow margin of 3-2. This match was followed by a clash between Chennaiyin FC and FC Goa, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
Kerala Blasters FC kicked off their campaign in style by defeating Inter Kashi with a score of 2-0, extending their unbeaten streak under head coach Ashley Westwood.
The ISL debutants, Churchill Brothers, had a highly impressive start to the top-tier league, defeating the two-time champions Mumbai City FC by 2-1.Northeast United defeated the Mohun Bagan Super Giants with a 1-0 score. The Punjab FC also had a great start by defeating Odisha FC by 2-1.
Matchweek 1 saw strong starts from teams like Kerala Blasters and Northeast United, who couldn’t even qualify for the playoffs last season, as well as newcomers Churchill Brothers, who made a strong start to the League. Blasters top the table, followed by Bengaluru FC.
With East Bengal yet to play their opening match, it’s yet to be seen how the league unfolds. The first round of the new season saw several new faces perform outstandingly, thereby finding a place in the first team of the week. These are the 11 players who caught the eye and made it to the ISL 2026-27 Team of the Week for Match week 1.
Formation (4-2-3-1)
GK: Nora Fernandes
Despite conceding three goals in Sporting Club Delhi’s 3-2 defeat against Bengaluru FC, Nora Fernandes produced seven important saves against a relentless Bengaluru attack. Although the result did not go in their favour, Nora’s shot-stopping efforts provided Sporting Club Delhi with opportunities to remain competitive.
LB: Muhammed Uvais
Muhammed Uvais delivered an impressive all-round performance for Punjab FC in their 2-1 victory over Odisha FC. He provided the assist for Messi Bouli’s opening goal in the first minute, immediately influencing the match at the attacking end.
Defensively, he recorded six interceptions and three recoveries, while also creating two chances. His contribution at both ends of the pitch makes him a strong inclusion in this week’s lineup.
CB: Pramveer Singh
Pramveer was the only defender who played the full 90 minutes as Northeast United FC secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Mohun Bagan Super Giant. His contribution to keeping a clean sheet was important in a closely contested encounter where defensive concentration was crucial.
He made five clearances, out of which four were headed clearances against the strong imposing figure of Lee Erwin. He also made three interceptions, two blocks and a lot of recoveries. This performance supports his selection for the team of the week.
CB: James Bolton
James Bolton played a key role in Kerala Blasters’ 2-0 victory over Inter Kashi, helping his side keep a clean-sheet. He won five duels, made four recoveries, and recorded four interceptions, demonstrating his ability to compete physically and read opposition attacks.
His defensive contribution helped Kerala Blasters maintain control at the back and begin their campaign with an impressive result.
RB: Namgyal Bhutia
Namgyal Bhutia made a strong contribution in Chennaiyin FC’s 1-1 draw against FC Goa. He recorded eight recoveries and stood his ground against Nemil and Isak while making his presence felt in attack by providing the assist for Chennaiyin ‘s goal.
His ability to contribute to the team’s build-up while remaining active defensively made him one of the notable performers in the opening round.
CM: Vibin Mohanan
Vibin Mohanan made a decisive impact by captaining his side kerala Blasters and also scoring the first goal of the season by opening the scoreline in the 18th minute. Beyond this goal, he created two key passes and maintained nearly 80% passing accuracy being a key presence in the midfield.
His combination of attacking and defensive contribution helped the team gain an early advantage and control the match.
CM: Puitea
Despite Odisha FC’s 2-1 defeat to Punjab FC, Puitea produced key performance for the team in the midfield. He registered 11 recoveries, won four ground duels and made two tackles, while also creating three key chances. Puitea’s set-pieve delivery paved the way for Odisha’s only google in the match.
His work rate and creativity stood out even though his side left without a point.
LW: Andre Green
Andre Green made a valuable contribution to Kerala Blasters FC’s 2-0 victory, scoring a stoppage time goal to seal the result. He also completed three successful dribbles,demonstrating his willingness to take on defenders and carry the ball into dangerous areas.
His late goal capped an effectie attacking display and helped Kerala Blasters win the match with a clean-sheet and a two-goal margin.
CAM: Borja Martinez
Borja Martinez was among the standout performers of matchweek 1, scoring twice in Bengaluru FC’s 3-2 victory over Sporting Club Delhi. He found the back of the net in the 22nd minute before scoring again in the 75th minute, helping Bengaluru recover during a highly competitive encounter.
In addition to his two goals, he created five chances along with his finishing and creativity made him one of the most influential players of the opening round.
RW: Soham Varshneya
Soham Varshneya demonstrated the importance of an effective substitute appearance in Bengaluru FC’s Pramatic 3 2 win over Sporting Club Delhi. Introduced in the 74th minute from the bench he registered two shots on target and two key passes while maintaining 88% passing accuracy.
His most decisive contribution came in the 89th minute when he supplied the assist for Bengaluru’s winning goal. His immediate impact of the bench earns him a place in the Team of the week.
ST: Raphael Messi Bouli
Messi Bouli delivered a match winning performance for Punjab FC in their 2-1 victory over Odisha FC scoring twice on his debut he opened scoring inside the first minute before finding the net again in the stoppage time 90+5th minute to secure all three points.
He also created three chances showing that his contribution extended beyond finishing opportunities. His early breakthrough and late winner made him one of the defining performers of Matchweek-1.
Follow Footy India on Instagram and X for more updates on Indian Football.
