The Indian Super League (ISL) is heating up as the playoffs are approaching. Mumbai City, Mohun Bagan, Goa, Odisha, and Kerala Blasters have already secured their spots in the playoffs, while the battle for the sixth and final spot is ongoing between Chennaiyin, Odisha, and East Bengal. While the ISL 2023-24 Playoffs race heating up, the schedule has been set.
The knockout round will be played on April 19-20, followed by the semi-finals on April 23-24 and April 28-29. The final is scheduled for May 4 or 5. This Wednesday marks the final Matchweek 22, with Punjab FC facing off against East Bengal FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi. There’s still plenty of drama left to unfold as the top spots are yet to be decided.
ISL 2023-24 Playoffs Schedule
- Knockout Round: April 19-20, 2024
- Semifinals (1st Leg): April 23-24, 2024
- Semifinals (2nd Leg): April 28-29, 2024
- Final: May 4, 2024
Race for the top spot heats up
The battle for the League Shield is heating up between Mumbai City FC and Mohun Bagan Super Giant. Both teams are neck-and-neck in the race for the coveted trophy. But the fight isn’t just for the top spot! Several clubs are scrambling to secure their desired positions in the playoffs.
While FC Goa is out of the running for the League Shield, they still have a shot at grabbing the crucial second place. This coveted position offers them a direct entry into the semifinals, bypassing the risky knockout stage.
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The race for the sixth and final playoff spot is also intensifying. Chennaiyin FC and East Bengal FC are the only two contenders left after North East United FC’s loss on Tuesday. The upcoming matches will be nail-biting as these teams fight tooth and nail to secure their playoff berth.
ISL 2023-24 Playoff Format
In the knockouts, the teams who finished third and sixth in the final league standings will face off in a one-time knockout game. Similarly, the fourth and fifth-placed teams will face off. The winner of the knockouts will face the league’s top two clubs in a two-legged semi-final. The winners of the semi-finals will play off in the Indian Super League final.