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.