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The I-League got off to an entertaining start with as many as 16 goals scored over six games. New boys Sreenidi Deccan FC and Rajasthan United FC had a difficult start to life at this level while NEROCA FC and Real Kashmir FC gave a glimpse of their attacking prowess.
Defending champions Gokulam Kerala FC and contenders Mohammedan Sporting Club posted measured with TRAU and Indian Arrows playing out the only draw of the round.
TRAU FC 0-0 Indian Arrows
A goalless draw at the Mohun Bagan Ground kicked off the I-League season as TRAU were unable to find a way past the rigid Indian Arrows defence. Goalkeeper Ahan Prakash pulled off some solid saves to earn the Hero of the match and a deserved point for his side.
Gokulam Kerala FC 1-0 Churchill Brothers
In the blockbuster clash of the matchday, reigning champions Gokulam Kerala FC ran out 1-0 winners over title rivals Churchill Brothers. A first-half penalty by skipper Sharif Mukhammad made all the difference for Vincenzo Alberto Annese’s side in a tight encounter played at the Kalyani Stadium.
Rajasthan United FC 0-2 RoundGlass Punjab FC
RoundGlass Punjab FC registered a dominating two-goal win over newly-promoted side Rajasthan United, who had to play with nine men due to registration issues at the Kalyani Stadium. Goals from striker Kurtis Guthrie and 17-year-old Aphaoba Singh handed all three points to the team coached by Ashley Westwood, who is back in the I-League after almost six years.
NEROCA FC 3-2 Sreenidi Deccan FC
A thrilling contest in Naihati saw NEROCA FC defeat I-League debutants Sreenidi Deccan FC thanks to a sensational hattrick by Spanish striker Sergio Mendigutxia. Sreenidi fought hard until the very end, but goals from Girik Khosla and David Castañeda Muñoz proved insufficient for the Fernando Santiago Varela-coached side.
Real Kashmir FC 3-2 Aizawl FC
Real Kashmir FC kicked off their fourth season in the I-League with a riveting 3-2 win over Aizawl FC in Kalyani. A debut brace from Brazilian striker Tiago Adan and a goal from captain Mason Robertson led the Snow Leopards to three points. Yan Law’s Aizawl FC gave a good account of themselves with an all-Indian line-up.
Mohammedan Sporting Club 2-1 Sudeva Delhi FC
One of the title contenders, Mohammedan Sporting made the perfect start to their I-League season with a 2-1 victory against a young Sudeva Delhi FC side. Star striker Marcus Joseph netted arguably the goal of the matchday with a glorious curling effort into the top corner. Sudeva collected a consolation goal towards the end with Abhijit Sarkar’s fantastic volley.
Star of the Week: Sergio Mendigutxia (NEROCA FC)
Right foot, left foot, header – it was a perfect hattrick for NEROCA’s new signing Sergio Mendigutxia in their opening match win over Sreenidi Deccan FC. The pick of the bunch was his third goal, a sublime first-time dink over the keeper from the edge of the 18-yard-box. The Spanish striker announced his arrival in India with an awe-inspiring display on debut.
