New Delhi: The eleventh edition of National Football League promises to be one of the most open and keenly contested in recent times, if the result of the first round of matches are any indication.

Sides which were considered to be underdogs going into the matches, have held their own against more fancied teams and come away with favourable outcomes.

The big two of Kolkata East Bengal and Mohun Bagan - have got off to slow starts in the league while Mohammedan Sporting, who finished a lowly eighth last season, started their season with a win.

Churchill Brothers, promoted to the NFL's top division this season, put it across Sporting Clube de Goa, the GFA league champions who have made it a habit of fighting for the major titles up for grabs in the country.

In the marquee match-up, defending champions Mahindra United had to come from behind to beat Durand Cup winners Dempo Sports Club, NFL champions two years ago.

But the disappointment would surely be three-time champions Mohun Bagan and East Bengal failing to get off to winning starts in matches they were expected to dominate.

While Bagan were held to a goalless draw in Bangalore by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, who were drafted into the league in place of Tata Football Academy, East Bengal fared even worse with a 0-1 loss to Air India in Mumbai.