ISL 2024-25: Mumbai City Battles Mohun Bagan in Playoff Challenge
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Synopsis
On February 28, Mumbai City FC will clash with Mohun Bagan Super Giant at the Mumbai Football Arena in the ISL 2024-25. Both teams face critical challenges, with Mumbai looking to secure playoff qualification while Mohun Bagan aims to add the ISL Cup to their title-winning season.
Key Takeaways
- Mumbai City FC needs four more points to qualify for playoffs.
- Mohun Bagan Super Giant aims to defend their title and win the ISL Cup.
- Both teams have a rich history of competitive matches.
- Mumbai's home performance this season has been below par.
- The Mariners are unbeaten in their last five away matches.
Mumbai City FC is set to face Mohun Bagan Super Giant at the Mumbai Football Arena for the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 on Saturday, February 28 (NationPress).
Mohun Bagan Super Giant recently secured the ISL League Winners title with a narrow 1-0 victory over Odisha FC at home last Sunday. They have made history by being the first team to defend their ISL title successfully, and their sights are now set on clinching the ISL Cup, which they narrowly lost to the Islanders last season.
This season, Mumbai City FC has achieved only eight victories, marking their lowest win total since the 2020-21 season. Currently, they sit in sixth place with 32 points from 21 matches. To reach the top-six, they need to secure four more points, although they might qualify with fewer points depending on other results.
The Islanders have managed to score in every one of their previous 11 encounters against Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the ISL. However, their attacking performance this season raises concerns, with the team failing to score in seven matches, their highest tally for a single campaign.
The Mariners have demonstrated impressive form, remaining unbeaten in their last five away matches (W3 D2). A win or draw in this match will see them equal their longest unbeaten away streak in ISL history.
Mumbai City FC has recorded only four home victories this season, the lowest since the 2015-2016 seasons (three each). They also faced consecutive 0-3 defeats against Jamshedpur FC and NorthEast United FC earlier this season.
This season, the Islanders have scored 21 goals from inside the box, with only Mohammedan SC (9) and Hyderabad FC (17) scoring fewer. With 25 goals in total, the team coached by Petr Kratky ranks as the third-least prolific scorers this season.
The Mariners have netted three or more goals in their last two away games. If they achieve this again against Mumbai City FC, it will mark a first in their ISL history. Jose Molina's team has managed to maintain six consecutive clean sheets.
Petr Kratky, head coach of Mumbai City FC, praised The Mariners for their effectiveness in converting chances into goals.
“Mohun Bagan Super Giant has been more efficient in the final third compared to us. We have created opportunities but haven't converted enough, which is an area we must improve,” he stated.
Jose Molina, head coach of Mohun Bagan Super Giant, shared insights on his team's success.
“Football can be both challenging and simple. The key to success remains consistent: work hard, stay focused, and possess talent in the squad,” he commented.
