Since its inception in 2013, the Indian Super League (ISL) has witnessed a tremendous surge in popularity. While attacking flair and goal-scoring exploits often steal the limelight, it’s the defensive grit and structural discipline that become paramount—especially during the intense, high-pressure atmosphere of the ISL playoffs.
In these do-or-die fixtures, every detail is amplified, and a single defensive lapse can be decisive. That’s where clean sheets gain added importance. More than just a statistic, they reflect a team’s steadfast defensive organization, tactical sharpness, and the standout performances of its defenders and goalkeeper. In many playoff clashes, a clean sheet can be the difference between advancing and elimination.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at the top five teams that have recorded the most clean sheets in ISL playoff history.
Table of Contents
Top 5 Teams With The Most Clean Sheets Ever in ISL Playoffs
5. Mumbai City FC – 4 Clean Sheets
Kicking off the list is Mumbai City FC, who boast an impressive tally of four clean sheets in ISL playoff history.
The Islanders have built a reputation for holding their nerve under pressure, a quality reflected in their silverware haul—two ISL Cups and two League Shields. Their defining moment came in the 2020-21 season when they etched their name in history by becoming the first club to win both the League Shield and ISL Cup in a single campaign.
That iconic season accounted for two of their four playoff shutouts. Mumbai City held FC Goa to a goalless draw in the second leg of the semi-final before prevailing in a penalty shootout. They followed it up with a commanding 2-0 victory over Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the final, sealing a memorable domestic double.
4. FC Goa – 4 Clean Sheets
Renowned for their attacking prowess, FC Goa have also showcased moments of defensive resilience in the playoffs, registering four clean sheets in knockout matches. While their backline isn’t always the focus of praise, its ability to step up under pressure has been instrumental in several of their postseason campaigns.
The Gaurs hold the record for the most playoff appearances, having reached the knockout stage eight times—including the ongoing season. However, keeping clean sheets has often been a tough task. Their most recent one came in the 2020-21 semi-final, where they held Mumbai City FC to a goalless draw in the second leg before exiting the tournament via penalties against the eventual champions.
3. ATK FC – 4 Clean Sheets
Known for their attacking intent paired with defensive grit, ATK FC struck a fine balance that helped them navigate tight playoff contests and shape the storylines of their title-winning campaigns.
Three of their four playoff clean sheets came during the inaugural ISL season, where they scripted history by becoming the league’s first champions. After shutting out FC Goa in both legs of the semi-final for a 2-0 aggregate victory, ATK edged past Kerala Blasters FC 1-0 in a nail-biting final. While Mohammed Rafique’s late winner grabbed the spotlight, it was the defensive unit’s composure and discipline that laid the foundation for the win.
Their fourth clean sheet came during the 2016 semi-final clash with Mumbai City FC. ATK would go on to beat Kerala Blasters again in the final, clinching their second ISL Cup and reinforcing their legacy as a playoff powerhouse.
2. Mohun Bagan Super Giant – 5 Clean Sheets
Mohun Bagan Super Giant have carved out a reputation as one of the most defensively disciplined sides in the ISL. Their ability to maintain structure and frustrate opponents is evident not just in the regular season, but even more so in high-stakes playoff encounters.
With five playoff clean sheets—the most by any team—the Mariners have consistently showcased their defensive mettle when the pressure is at its peak.
Since their entry into the ISL in the 2020-21 season, MBSG have qualified for the playoffs every year, underlining both consistency and quality. Their strong foundation at the back has played a pivotal role in their success, which includes two League Shields and a coveted ISL Cup.
1. Bengaluru FC – 8 Clean Sheets
Sitting at the top of the list are The Blues. Since their arrival in the ISL, Bengaluru FC have built their identity around defensive solidity, becoming a side notoriously difficult to break down—particularly when the stakes are at their highest.
Their unmatched tally of eight playoff clean sheets highlights this strength, showcasing their ability to thrive under pressure and maintain composure in crunch situations.
Bengaluru FC have qualified for the playoffs five times—in the 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20, and 2022-23 seasons, along with the ongoing campaign. In the current playoffs, they’ve bolstered their clean sheet count even further, registering two shutouts—a dominant 5-0 win over Mumbai City FC and a 2-0 first-leg victory against FC Goa in the semi-final.
FAQs
Which ISL team has kept the most clean sheets in playoff history?
Bengaluru FC holds the record with 8 clean sheets in ISL playoff matches, showcasing their defensive dominance in knockout fixtures.
How many clean sheets has Mumbai City FC kept in ISL playoffs?
Mumbai City FC have registered 4 clean sheets in the ISL playoffs, including two during their historic 2020-21 double-winning campaign.
Has Mohun Bagan Super Giant been consistent in ISL playoffs?
Yes, Mohun Bagan Super Giant have reached the playoffs every season since joining in 2020-21, keeping 5 clean sheets along the way.
Did ATK FC have a strong defense in ISL playoffs?
Absolutely. ATK FC recorded 4 playoff clean sheets, with three coming in their title-winning 2014 campaign and one in 2016.
How many times has FC Goa kept a clean sheet in ISL knockout matches?
FC Goa have managed 4 playoff clean sheets despite being known more for their attacking style, with their latest coming in 2020-21.
