An in-depth look at the possible routes to the top-six playoff positions as the ISL 2024/25 season nears its conclusion.
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Race to the Finish Line: Who Will Make the Cut?
With the 2024-25 Indian Super League (ISL) season entering its decisive stage, the competition for a top-six finish has reached fever pitch. While Mohun Bagan Super Giant is on the verge of clinching the League Shield, several clubs remain in contention for the remaining playoff berths.
According to the league’s format, the top two teams after matchweek 26 secure direct passage to the semi-finals, while the other four playoff spots are decided through a knockout round. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the teams still battling for qualification and their potential paths to the postseason.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant: One Win Away from Glory
Mohun Bagan Super Giant stands on the cusp of lifting the League Shield. The Mariners require just one victory from their final three matches to seal the top spot, regardless of other results. Even if they lose their next two encounters, avoiding defeat against FC Goa in the concluding fixture would suffice.
A favorable outcome for Mohun Bagan could arise if FC Goa falters against Kerala Blasters FC in matchweek 23. In that case, the Mariners could clinch the shield with a win against Odisha FC, rendering the Gaurs’ results inconsequential.
FC Goa: Slim Hopes for Silverware
Manolo Marquez’s side remains in the playoff picture, albeit with a daunting task ahead. FC Goa must win all remaining matches, including a potential title decider against Mohun Bagan, to stand any chance of claiming the League Shield. However, the odds are stacked against them, with Mohun Bagan needing just one win from three fixtures.
To secure a direct semi-final berth, the Gaurs require eight points from their last four games. Their path could become easier if Jamshedpur FC drops points in their remaining matches.
Jamshedpur FC: Close to Securing Playoff Qualification
Despite missing out on the League Shield following a 2-0 defeat to NorthEast United FC, Jamshedpur FC is well-positioned to make the playoffs. Khalid Jamil’s men need five points from their last four fixtures to confirm their spot.
A win against Odisha FC in their final game could ensure qualification even if they lose the other three matches. To push for a top-two finish, the Red Miners must win all remaining matches and hope FC Goa drops at least five points.
NorthEast United FC: Fighting Against the Odds
While mathematically possible, the Highlanders’ hopes of securing a top-two finish hinge on several factors. Juan Pedro Benali’s squad must win all remaining fixtures while counting on FC Goa to earn no more than two points from their matches. Additionally, they need Jamshedpur FC to drop five points and Mumbai City FC to slip up in their final games.
Alaeddine Ajaraie and his teammates require two wins from their last fixtures to confirm playoff qualification, controlling their fate despite the challenging scenario.
Bengaluru FC: Can Sunil Chhetri Inspire a Turnaround?
Bengaluru FC faces an uphill battle for a direct semi-final spot. Gerard Zaragoza’s team must win their remaining matches while hoping FC Goa collects no more than three points and Jamshedpur FC drops three points.
The Blues’ fate could hinge on their away clash against NorthEast United FC. A win there would mean they only need four points from their last three matches, given their superior head-to-head record against the Highlanders.
Mumbai City FC: Defending Champions Facing Crunch Time
Mumbai City FC’s hopes of defending their title rest on a perfect end to the regular season. Petr Kratky’s men must win all remaining games, including a crucial encounter with Bengaluru FC, while banking on FC Goa earning fewer than four points and Jamshedpur FC dropping four.
While eight points from their final matches would guarantee a playoff spot, Mumbai City FC could progress with fewer points if rival results go in their favor.
Odisha FC: Tough Road to the Playoffs
Odisha FC’s journey this season has been marked by inconsistency, and their playoff aspirations now depend heavily on other results. With no chance of a top-two finish, the Juggernauts need to win their remaining fixtures and hope NorthEast United FC drops at least four points.
Failing to catch the Highlanders, Odisha must rely on either Mumbai City FC or Bengaluru FC losing at least five points to sneak into the top six.
Fading Hopes: The Chasing Pack
Kerala Blasters FC, Punjab FC, Chennaiyin FC, and East Bengal FC are on the brink of elimination, with their playoff hopes hinging on improbable sequences of results involving multiple teams above them.
Meanwhile, Hyderabad FC and Mohammedan SC are already out of contention following a string of disappointing performances through matchweek 22.
As the final matchweeks approach, the intensity and stakes couldn’t be higher. With Mohun Bagan Super Giant on the verge of wrapping up the League Shield, the spotlight now turns to the fierce competition for the remaining playoff slots. Teams like FC Goa, Jamshedpur FC, and Mumbai City FC will be fighting tooth and nail, while clubs like Odisha FC and Bengaluru FC hope for a combination of wins and favorable results elsewhere.
FAQs
How many teams qualify for the ISL 2024-25 playoffs?
Six teams qualify for the ISL playoffs, with the top two directly entering the semi-finals and the next four competing in one-off knockout matches.
Can Mohun Bagan Super Giant clinch the League Shield?
Yes, Mohun Bagan needs just one win from their remaining three matches to secure the League Shield.
What does FC Goa need to finish in the top two?
FC Goa must win all remaining matches, including the decider against Mohun Bagan, while hoping other results go in their favor.
How can Mumbai City FC secure a playoff spot?
Mumbai City FC must collect eight points from their last games or rely on other teams dropping points to ensure qualification.
Which teams have slim chances or are out of playoff contention?
Kerala Blasters, Punjab FC, Chennaiyin FC, and East Bengal FC have slim hopes, while Hyderabad FC and Mohammedan SC are out of contention.
