ISL 2020-21: NorthEast United qualifies for playoffs; What Goa, Hyderabad need to do to make it - Explained
ISL 2021: The competition is into the business end where an exciting race for the top spot and last two playoff berth are underway. We explain all the possible scenarios here.
Published : Feb 22, 2021 15:05 IST
The Indian Super League (ISL 2019-20) is into the final week of the league stage and an exciting race for the top spot and the final play-off places take centrestage.
ATK Mohun Bagan and Mumbai City FC are involved in a batte for the League Winner's Shield and the AFC Champions League group stage spot.
Mohun Bagan and Mumbai City are the only two teams to have qualified for the playoffs while three teams -- FC Goa, Hyderabad FC and NorthEast United FC -- are still in contention for the last two playoffs place.
Ahead of the final week's fixtures, Sportstar takes a look at the possible scenarios for these six clubs involved.
If any of the below teams finish level on points, their positions will be determined in this order: 1) Most number of points compiled in league matches between the concerned clubs. 2) Superior goal difference resulting from league matches between the concerned clubs. 3) Most number of goals scored in the league matches between the concerned clubs. 4) Superior goal difference in the league stage. 5) Most number of goals scored in the league stage. 6) Highest fair play ranking. 7) Drawing of lots by the league. |
(Scenario updated after Feb. 23)
ATK Mohun Bagan (vs Mumbai City FC) - Position: 1 | 40 points
The Kolkata giant has a three-point advantage over second-placed Mumbai City, which face each other in the final league stage game. Antonio Habas' side would need to avoid defeat in the final game to seal top spot.
Mumbai City FC (vs ATK Mohun Bagan) - Position: 2 | 37 points
A win against ATK Mohun Bagan on the final matchday will help Mumbai City take the League Winner's Shield.
In the possibility that Mohun Bagan and Mumbai finish level on points, Sergio Lobra's men will take the top spot due to the head-to-head tie-breaker. Mumbai beat ATK Mohun Bagan 1-0 in the reverse fixture.
NorthEast United FC - Position: 3 | 33 points
Khalid Jamil's men qualified for the playoffs after it beat Kerala Blasters in their final league game of the season.
PODCAST - Will it be ATK Mohun Bagan or Mumbai City FC which takes the League Winner's Shield? Which among FC Goa and Hyderabad FC will take the final playoff place? In the latest episode of Sportstar's 'The Full Time Show', N. Sudarshan, Shyam Vaudevan & Aashin Prasad discuss how the top-four is shaping up.
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FC Goa (vs Hyderabad FC) - Position: 4 | 30 points
Goa has one foot in the playoffs place and requires just a point from its final game against Hyderabad on Sunday. If Goa beats Hyderabad, it will finish above NEUFC in the table due to a superior goal difference.
| Position | Clubs | MP | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Points |
| 1. | ATK Mohun Bagan (Q) | 19 | 12 | 4 | 3 | 28 | 13 | 15 | 40 |
| 2. | Mumbai City FC (Q) | 19 | 11 | 4 | 4 | 33 | 18 | 15 | 37 |
| 3. | NorthEast United FC (Q) | 20 | 8 | 9 | 3 | 31 | 25 | 6 | 33 |
| 4. | FC Goa | 19 | 7 | 9 | 3 | 31 | 23 | 8 | 30 |
| 5. | Hyderabad FC | 19 | 6 | 10 | 3 | 27 | 19 | 8 | 28 |
Hyderabad FC (vs FC Goa) - Position: 5 | 28 points
If Hyderabad beats Goa in the final game of the season, then it will finish higher than Goa.