ISL Playoffs : The Indian Super League (ISL) 2022-23 season is reaching its business end with the playoffs just around the corner. Unlike the previous seasons, this year the top two teams from the league stage automatically qualify for the semi-finals whereas the remaining two semi-final spots will be decided through single-headed knockout matches between teams who finish between third and sixth places on the ISL 2022-23 points table after the league stage.
A total of six teams have progressed to the playoff stage this year,
The teams have made it to the ISL playoffs :
- Mumbai City FC : With 46 points from their quota of 20 matches in the league stage, Mumbai City FC has already sealed the top spot and will move on directly to the semi-finals.
- Hyderabad FC : The other semi-final spot has been claimed by reigning champions Hyderabad FC, who are on 39 points from 19 matches. The Nizams will hold on to their second spot in the league table irrespective of the result in their final league phase encounter against Kerala Blasters.
- ATK Mohun Bagan : ATK Mohun Bagan has confirmed a finish between the third and sixth spots on the ISL 2022-23 standings.
- Bengaluru FC : Bengaluru FC has confirmed a finish between the third and sixth spots on the ISL 2022-23 standings.
- Kerala Blasters FC : Kerala Blasters FC has confirmed a finish between the third and sixth spots on the ISL 2022-23 standings.
- Odisha FC/FC Goa :Odisha FC, with 30 points from 20 matches, currently occupies the sixth position while FC Goa is three points behind them in seventh, having played a game less. FC Goa can make the playoffs if they beat Bengaluru FC in their final league fixture.
ISL Playoffs 2022-23 Schedule The knockout matches will start on March 3 while the semi-finals will be played from March 7.
Below is the complete schedule of the ISL playoffs 2022-23 :
March 3, Friday
- Knockout 1 – fourth-place team in league (home) vs fifth-place team in league (away)
March 4, Saturday
- Knockout 2 – third-place team in league (home) vs sixth-place team in league (away)
March 7, Tuesday
- Semi-final 1 (1st leg) – Mumbai City FC (home) vs winner of knockout 1(away)
March 9, Thursday
- Semi-final 2 (1st leg) – Hyderabad FC (home) vs winner of knockout 2 (away)
March 12, Sunday
- Semi-final 1 (2nd leg) – winner of knockout 1 (home) vs Mumbai City FC (away)
March 13, Monday
- Semi-final 2 (2nd leg) – winner of knockout 2 (home) vs Hyderabad FC (away)
Although Chennaiyin FC, coached by Thomas Brdaric, missed out on qualifying for the playoffs, Brdaric reckons his side competed well with every team they faced in ISL 2022-23. Chennaiyin suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat at League Shield winners Mumbai City FC and held last season’s champions Hyderabad FC to a 1-1 draw in Gachibowli.
The ISL playoffs 2022-23 promise to be exciting with Mumbai City FC and Hyderabad FC already sealing their semi-final spots. The fight for the remaining two semi-final spots is still on, and we can expect some exciting and competitive football from the six teams vying for those spots.
The remaining six teams in the ISL 2022-23 playoffs race are ATK Mohun Bagan, Bengaluru FC, Jamshedpur FC, Kerala Blasters FC, NorthEast United FC, and Odisha FC. Each team has its strengths and weaknesses, and it will be interesting to see which teams will come out on top.
ATK Mohun Bagan, currently sitting in third place, has a strong defense and relies heavily on counter-attacks. They have shown the ability to grind out results, and their experience in big games could be an advantage.
Bengaluru FC, in fourth place, has one of the best attacks in the league, led by the likes of Sunil Chhetri and Cleiton Silva. However, their defense has been vulnerable at times, and they will need to tighten up at the back to secure a playoff spot.
Jamshedpur FC, in fifth place, has been inconsistent throughout the season but has shown glimpses of their potential. With the likes of Farukh Choudhary and Stephen Eze in their ranks, they have the ability to cause problems for any team.
Kerala Blasters FC, in sixth place, has struggled for consistency and has been hit hard by injuries. However, with the likes of Gary Hooper and Sahal Abdul Samad, they have the firepower to turn their fortunes around.
NorthEast United FC, in seventh place, has a solid defense and has shown the ability to play attractive football. However, their lack of cutting edge in front of goal has been their downfall, and they will need to find a way to score more goals if they are to make it to the playoffs.
Odisha FC, in eighth place, has struggled throughout the season and has been plagued by defensive issues. However, with the likes of Marcelinho and Diego Mauricio in their ranks, they have the ability to cause upsets and spoil the party for the other teams.
The remaining six teams in the ISL 2022-23 playoffs race are all capable of making it to the semi-finals, and we can expect some exciting and unpredictable football in the coming weeks!
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