ISL 2024-25: Mumbai Aims for Semifinal Spot in Crucial Duel Against Bengaluru
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Synopsis
In a pivotal match of the ISL 2024-25 playoffs, Bengaluru FC will face Mumbai City FC at Sree Kanteerava Stadium. Both teams look to secure a semifinal spot, with Bengaluru seeking to overcome past losses against the Islanders, while Mumbai aims to extend their winning streak.
Key Takeaways
- Bengaluru FC has a record of six wins in 18 matchups against Mumbai City FC.
- The Islanders are undefeated in their last four ISL matches against the Blues.
- Sunil Chhetri leads the playoffs with eight goals in ISL history.
- Bengaluru FC has the highest average shots per passes this season.
- Petr Kratky seeks to join the ranks of the most successful coaches in ISL playoff history.
Bengaluru, March 28 (NationPress) Bengaluru FC will welcome Mumbai City FC to the Sree Kanteerava Stadium for the inaugural single-legged knockout clash of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 playoffs on Saturday.
The Blues secured third place in the league table, amassing 38 points from 24 games with 11 wins and five draws. In contrast, the Islanders clinched a playoff spot with a 2-0 victory over Bengaluru FC in their last match, aiming to secure a place in the final four at the same venue where they previously qualified for the playoffs.
Bengaluru FC approaches this match having lost four out of their last five encounters with the Islanders. This matchup marks the second playoff meeting between these teams, following Bengaluru's penalty shootout triumph in the 2022-23 semi-finals.
The Islanders have demonstrated defensive strength by not conceding a goal in their last four ISL matches against Bengaluru FC, scoring eight goals in that span. Achieving another clean sheet would establish their longest streak against a single opponent in ISL history, equaling their record against East Bengal FC (five matches from December 2020-2022). With 10 shutouts this season, coach Petr Kratky will rely on his solid defense to fend off the Bengaluru FC attack.
Bengaluru FC has averaged a shot every 35.2 passes in ISL 2024-25, the highest rate among all teams this season. Mumbai City FC must find a strategy to disrupt their passing flow and limit their shooting opportunities.
The Islanders have achieved victories in their last four playoff matches, marking the longest winning streak by any team at this playoff stage of the ISL.
Coach Petr Kratky has tallied three playoff wins, and a victory here would elevate him to joint second for the most playoff wins in ISL history (alongside Sergio Lobera), trailing only Antonio Lopez (six wins).
Across 18 ISL matches between the teams, Bengaluru FC has secured six wins, while Mumbai City FC has claimed victory on ten occasions, with two matches ending in draws.
Bengaluru FC head coach Gerard Zaragoza expressed confidence in his team’s capacity to handle pressure and perform well.
"This is a completely different game. We are in the playoffs at Kanteerava. It’s an all-or-nothing situation, and we know how to handle these types of games," he stated.
Mumbai City FC head coach Petr Kratky mentioned that his team has diligently worked to address their weaknesses. "For me, it’s an entirely different competition. We are fighting for the ISL Cup. We have analyzed our strengths and weaknesses and put in the effort to improve," he remarked.
