ISL 2024-25 Playoffs: Schedule, Format, and Race to the Semifinals

ISL 2024-25 Playoffs will commence on March 29 and 30, to be followed by semifinals in the first week of April. As we approach the closing stages of the league, it is becoming quite apparent that the race for these coveted playoff spots is heating up, with so many teams still in contention.

With the year 2022-23, the ISL had embarked on a re-haul of its rules, wherein the playoff stage had by then expanded from four to six teams. This entails more competition among the clubs in trying to secure the title.

Let’s take a detailed look at the playoff format, timetable, and all the teams still vying for the ISL title for the 2024-25 season.

ISL 2024-25 Playoff Format Explained

Under the new format introduced in the 2022-23 season, six teams will advance to the playoffs:

1. Top Two Teams: Direct qualification to the semifinals.
2. Teams Ranked 3rd to 6th: Compete in a single-leg knockout round.
3. Higher-seeded teams host the knockout matches.
4. Semifinals: Played over two legs (home and away format).
5. Final: Winner of both semifinals will face off in a one-off championship match.

This format ensures more excitement and unpredictability, keeping fans engaged till the very last league match.

ISL 2024-25 Playoff and Semifinal Schedule

The playoff dates were finalized only after the schedule for the third round of the Asian Cup qualifiers was confirmed. The playoff matches will take place four days after India’s first qualifier against Bangladesh on March 25.

Teams in the ISL 2024-25 Playoff Race

Till now, Mohun Bagan Super Giant has qualified for the semifinals by virtue of winning the Shield of the ISL. Meanwhile, football club Goain and Jamshedpur FC are in a tussle to join them in the final four.

But the battle for the remaining playoff places is far from over. There are as many as eight sides in contention for it, including Bengaluru FC, Chennaiyin FC, Odisha FC, and Kerala Blasters.

Bengaluru FC Clinches an Important Win

Bengaluru FC took one big step towards finally qualifying for the playoffs on Tuesday with a 1-0 win over Chennaiyin FC at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium. Coach Gerard Zaragoza was satisfied with the win:

“We deserve the six points that we won in the last two matches. Now, we have to achieve our objective, which is to arrive in the playoffs.”

With only a handful of league stage matches left, every game now is a must-win for those vying for the playoffs’ spots.

Key Storylines to Watch in the ISL 2024-25 Playoffs

1. Can Mohun Bagan Super Giant Maintain Their Dominance?
   • As the Shield Winners, Mohun Bagan has looked unstoppable. Will they continue their form in the knockouts?
2. FC Goa and Jamshedpur FC in Strong Position
   • Both teams are fighting for a direct semifinal berth. Can they hold their ground against the chasing pack?
3. Bengaluru FC’s Playoff Push
   • With their recent winning streak, Bengaluru FC is looking like a serious playoff contender.
4. Dark Horses in the Playoff Race
   • Kerala Blasters and Odisha FC have shown flashes of brilliance. Can they sneak into the top six?