Bengaluru FC will face Mumbai City FC at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in the first single-legged knockout match of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 playoffs on March 29 at 7:30 PM IST.
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Bengaluru FC vs Mumbai City FC: Preview
The Blues secured a third-place finish in the league with 38 points from 24 games, registering 11 wins and five draws. Meanwhile, the Islanders clinched a playoff spot with a crucial 2-0 victory over Bengaluru FC on the final matchday and will now aim to secure a semifinal berth at the same venue.
season saw Mumbai City FC edge out Bengaluru FC with a win and a draw in their two head-to-head clashes. However, this playoff encounter promises to be an intense showdown, with both sides pushing each other to the limit in their quest for the ISL final.
Bengaluru FC have recorded a shot every 35.2 passes in the ISL 2024-25 season, the best ratio among all teams this campaign. Mumbai City FC will need to find a way to break their passing rhythm and limit their time on the ball to prevent them from creating shooting opportunities. Bengaluru FC midfielder Alberto Noguera has been in fine form, recording a goal contribution in each of his last three home games. The 35-year-old has been a vital attacking presence, tallying five goals and three assists across 22 appearances this season.
Sunil Chhetri holds the record for the most goals in ISL playoff history, having scored eight times. He has found the net in three of his last four playoff appearances, making him a key threat that the Islanders must be wary of in this crucial encounter. Sunil Chhetri has successfully converted four penalties this season and now has a golden opportunity to become the first player to score 10 goals against Mumbai City FC in ISL history.
Under Gerard Zaragoza, Bengaluru FC showed solid form towards the end of the season, winning three of their last five matches. Despite their recent home defeat to Mumbai City FC, they remain determined to make their mark in the playoffs. Having already secured away victories at tough venues like Kochi, Kolkata, and Shillong, the Blues will look to capitalize on their home advantage against the defending champions. A win here would be crucial as they aim to gain an upper hand before heading to Mumbai for the second leg.
On the other hand, Mumbai City FC have been defensively resolute, keeping four consecutive clean sheets against Bengaluru FC while netting eight times in the process. Another shutout would mark their longest such streak against a single opponent in ISL history, matching their record against East Bengal FC (five games between December 2020 and 2022). With 10 clean sheets this season, head coach Petr Kratky will rely on his well-drilled backline to contain Bengaluru FC’s attacking threats.
Mumbai City FC are on a four-match winning streak in ISL playoffs, the longest run by any team at this stage of the competition. Can they extend it to five and secure a spot in the semi-finals? Mumbai City FC’s Mehtab Singh has been a key figure in defense, averaging 25.91 forward passes per game—ranking third among Indian outfield players in a single ISL campaign. His contributions include 18 interceptions, 51 duels won, and 97 clearances.
Head coach Petr Kratky currently has three playoff victories to his name. A win in this match would place him alongside Sergio Lobera as the joint second-most successful coach in ISL playoff history, trailing only Antonio Lopez, who holds the record with six wins.
This marks only the second-ever playoff meeting between the two sides, with the Blues winning the previous encounter via a penalty shootout in the 2022-23 semi-finals. With high stakes and quality on both sides, the upcoming fixture promises to be a thrilling contest.
Bengaluru FC vs Mumbai City FC: Head-to-head
- Total Matches – 19
- Bengaluru FC wins – 8
- Mumbai City FC wins – 9
- Draws – 2
Bengaluru FC vs Mumbai City FC: Team News and Predicted Lineup
Bengaluru FC – Team News
Bengaluru FC are set to have a fully fit squad available for the upcoming clash.
Bengaluru FC – Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)
- Goalkeeper – Gurpreet Sandhu
- Defenders – Mohamed Salah, Rahul Bheke, Chinglensana, Roshan Singh
- Midfielders – Alberto Noguera, Pedro Capo, Suresh Wangjam
- Forwards – Ryan Williams, Edgar Mendez, Sunil Chhetri
Mumbai City FC – Team News
The Islanders could be without Lallianzuala Chhangte for the upcoming match, while Ayush Chikkara and Akash Mishra remain sidelined for the season due to knee and cruciate ligament injuries.
Mumbai City FC – Predicted Lineup(4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeeper – TP Rehenesh
- Defenders – Hmingthanmawia Ralte, Mehtab Singh, Tiri, Nathan Rodrigues
- Midfielders – Yoell van Nieff, Jayesh Rane, Brandon Fernandes
- Forwards – Vikram Partap Singh, Bipin Singh, Jorge Ortiz
Bengaluru FC vs Mumbai City FC: Prediction
With both teams eager to take the advantage in this first-leg playoff clash, a closely contested battle is on the cards. Bengaluru FC will be banking on their home support at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, where they have delivered strong performances throughout the season. The Blues, under Gerard Zaragoza, have shown resilience and consistency, finishing third in the league and securing crucial away wins in tough venues.
On the other hand, Mumbai City FC, despite their sixth-place finish, remain a formidable force. Their recent victory over Bengaluru FC in matchweek 26 will give them confidence, but injuries to key players like Ayush Chikkara and Akash Mishra, along with the possible absence of Lallianzuala Chhangte, could weaken their attacking options.
Prediction: Bengaluru FC 2-1 Mumbai City FC
When and Where To Watch Bengaluru FC vs Mumbai City FC LIVE? Broadcast and Streaming Details
The 2024-25 ISL playoff clash between Bengaluru FC and Mumbai City FC is set to take place at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Tuesday, March 29, 2025, with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 PM IST.
Fans can catch the action live on Sports 18, while streaming will be available on Jio Hotstar. International viewers can also tune in via the OneFootball app.
FAQs
When and where will the Bengaluru FC vs Mumbai City FC ISL playoff match take place?
The match will be held at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Tuesday, March 29, 2025, with kickoff at 7:30 PM IST.
Where can fans watch the Bengaluru FC vs Mumbai City FC playoff game?
The match will be broadcast live on Sports 18 and streamed on Jio Hotstar. International viewers can watch it on the OneFootball app.
What were the results of Bengaluru FC and Mumbai City FC’s head-to-head clashes this season?
The teams played out a draw in one game, while Mumbai City FC won the second encounter 2-0.
Which key players could miss the match?
Mumbai City FC may be without Lallianzuala Chhangte, while Ayush Chikkara and Akash Mishra are ruled out for the season. Bengaluru FC have a fully fit squad available.
What is the predicted scoreline for the Bengaluru FC vs Mumbai City FC match?
Bengaluru FC 2-1 Mumbai City FC, with the Blues expected to capitalize on home advantage in a closely contested game.
