Top 10 Most Dramatic ISL Matches Ever Played

The Indian Super League has been the crucible of Indian football. It’s known for forging unforgettable moments and breathtaking matches that have captivated fans nationwide. From last-minute winners to nail-biting finishes, the ISL has had it all. Here, we recount the top 10 ISL matches that left fans on the edge of their seats and sealed their places in ISL history.

10 ISL Matches That Had Us Biting Our Nails!

Which of these ISL matches do you remember watching?

1. Kerala Blasters FC vs ATK – Final, 2014

The inaugural final of the ISL was nothing short of a screenplay, etched in the annals of Indian football. With the scores tied, ATK found a hero in Mohammed Rafique, who nodded in a dramatic winner in stoppage time, clinching the title and setting a precedent for drama in the league.

2. FC Goa vs Chennaiyin FC – Final, 2015

An eight-goal thriller that is still fresh in the memory of every ISL fan. Goa was leading 2-1 till the 90th minute, only for Chennaiyin to mount an unbelievable comeback, scoring three goals in injury time, snatching victory from the jaws of defeat.

3. Chennaiyin FC vs Kerala Blasters FC – Semi-final, 2016

In a see-saw battle, Chennaiyin managed to overturn a first-leg deficit, with a late winner from Jeje Lalpekhlua, only for Kerala to pull off a heist with a crucial away goal, booking their spot in the final and breaking Chennaiyin hearts.

4. FC Pune City vs Mumbai City FC – 2015 Season

The Maharashtra derby has always been fiercely contested, but this particular encounter took it to another level. With Mumbai leading 1-0, a red card and two late goals flipped the script, giving Pune an unlikely win over their arch-rivals.

5. Bengaluru FC vs Mumbai City FC – 2018 Season

Bengaluru FC, the newcomers with a point to prove, and Mumbai City FC, with resilience as their second name, clashed in an epic tussle. The match saw a flurry of goals, with Bengaluru’s Sunil Chhetri leading a spirited comeback to draw the game 3-3, showcasing the never-say-die spirit of the league.

6. NorthEast United FC vs Chennaiyin FC – 2016 Season

In a match that embodied the underdog spirit, NorthEast United staged an extraordinary fightback against the might of Chennaiyin. Down by a goal till the 90th minute, NorthEast scored twice in injury time. This was a victory that was celebrated wildly across the stands and the region.

7. Delhi Dynamos FC vs FC Goa – 2015 Season

It was a goal fest that had fans rubbing their eyes in disbelief. The Dynamos, behind the masterful play of Florent Malouda, put five past a hapless Goa side, which managed to return fire with four goals of their own. A 5-4 scoreline was a testament to the attacking brand of football in the ISL.

8. Mumbai City FC vs Kerala Blasters FC – 2016 Season

A thrilling contest where both teams left everything on the pitch. Mumbai looked to have the match in the bag with a 2-0 lead. But, the Blasters, true to their name, blasted back with two late goals, ensuring the spoils were shared in a breathtaking 2-2 draw.

9. ATK vs FC Goa – 2019 Season

A match etched in the memories for the sheer turnaround orchestrated by ATK. Trailing by a goal, they mounted an incredible comeback in the last ten minutes, scoring three goals in quick succession. This left the Goa fans in a state of shock and sending the ATK fans into delirium.

10. Jamshedpur FC vs Bengaluru FC – 2020 Season

A tactical battle that turned into an offensive showcase, this match had it all. Bengaluru, looking to solidify their place at the top, faced a tenacious Jamshedpur side. The match swung like a pendulum, but it was the steel of Jamshedpur that held firm for a thrilling 3-2 victory. It was one of the best ISL matches to take place!

These ISL matches represent the essence of the Indian Super League – unyielding passion, unpredictable drama, and the relentless spirit of football. Each match is a chapter in the growing legacy of the ISL, furthering the narrative of Indian football on the global stage.