A look at the potential scenarios for the teams battling it out for the top-six playoff qualification.
As the 2024-25 Indian Super League (ISL) is entering the final few weeks of the regular season, the battle among the teams to seal their playoff qualification has heated up. While league leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant, have won the ISL shield and sealed their playoff berth, clubs like FC Goa, Bengaluru FC and Jamshedpur FC have also booked their playoff spots after recent victories.
Based on the current competition format, only the top-six teams at the end of matchweek 26 will make it to the playoffs. While the top two teams secure a direct place in the semi-finals, the remaining four battle it out in a winner-takes-all one-off game.
The winners from this playoff will earn a place in the semi-finals, enjoying home advantage after finishing in the third and fourth spots. Here’s a look at the scenarios for teams vying for the final two ISL playoff spots:
Jamshedpur FC are still in contention for the top two spots
The Red Miners missed their opportunity to win the League Shield after succumbing to a 2-0 defeat to NorthEast United FC. However, coach Khalid Jamil’s side can still secure a semi-final berth if they win all their remaining games and FC Goa drops five points from their remaining three games.
While the Red Miners have sealed their playoff qualification with their 2-0 win over Mohammedan SC in matchweek 23, the aim will now be to seal an automatic semi-final spot.
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Can Ajaraie and Co. make the ISL playoffs?
Like the Red Miners, the Highlanders were denied winning the League Shield after Mohun Bagan’s win over Odisha FC. Juan Pedro Benali’s men are out of the race for the top-two spots after their matchweek 23 loss to Bengaluru FC.
The Highlanders only need one more win from their remaining two games, where they will be facing Chennaiyin FC and East Bengal FC. Alaeddine Ajaraie and his teammates can also qualify without even kicking a ball if other results go their way.
Can Mumbai City FC repeat as ISL champions?
The Islanders are out of the running for the top two automatic semi-final spots. Mumbai needs four more points from their remaining games to qualify for the ISL playoffs.
The reigning and defending champions will be facing Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Kerala Blasters FC, and Bengaluru FC in their final three games. They can also ensure qualification with fewer points if the results of other games go their way.
The Juggernauts’ playoff hopes are hanging by a thread
Odisha FC has had a topsy-turvy season in the ISL and now are dependent on other results to ensuring playoff qualification. The club were out of the League Shield to race a few match weeks back and also had no chance of finishing in the top two spots.
The club needs NorthEast United FC to record no more than two points in their remaining two games. If they can’t catch the Highlanders, the club will pray for the Islanders to drop six more points or the Blues to collect no more than one point from their remaining games.
Can East Bengal FC secure an unlikely playoff spot?
The Torchbearers still face a challenging path to securing ISL playoff qualification. East Bengal must win their remaining two games, which include a crucial clash against NorthEast United FC.
Even if the Torchbearers win that game, the club’s playoff fate depends on multiple results. Playoff qualification is subject to NorthEast United FC dropping points in their other match or Mumbai City FC’s failure to pick up any more points. East Bengal also needs Odisha FC to not collect more than three points from their last two fixtures and both Kerala Blasters FC and Punjab FC to slip up in at least one game of their remaining games.
Are Kerala Blasters’ playoff hopes severely compromised?
The Tuskers‘ playoff hopes were dealt a massive blow after their loss to Mohun Bagan SG. In order to qualify for the playoffs, the club needs to win all their remaining matches, including a 2-0 or better win over Mumbai City FC. They must also hope the Islanders drop five more points in their last two matches. Alternatively, they must rely on NorthEast United FC to lose their remaining games.
Apart from those scenarios, they need Odisha FC only to record one win and one draw in their remaining fixtures while ensuring they have a superior goal difference to East Bengal FC. Finally, the Blasters need Punjab FC to drop points in their remaining matches.
The rest are almost out of playoff contention
Clubs like Punjab FC, and Chennaiyin FC are virtually out of playoff contention, with their qualifications contingent on the results of other games. While they have a fading chance at playoff football, any viable chance will require a catastrophe of losses for teams sitting above them in the standings.
Apart from these clubs, Hyderabad FC and Mohammedan SC have already missed out on playoff contention after a rough run of game results until matchweek 22. As the clubs continue to battle it out for playoff survival, the fans will surely feel enthralled by the action in the weeks ahead.
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