How can Bengaluru FC qualify for the ISL 2024-25 playoffs?

Bengaluru FC still have their fate in their hands with four ISL games to go.

Former Indian Super League champions Bengaluru FC had a roaring start to their 2024-25 league campaign, winning five of their six opening games. Owing to their good defensive record, the Blues were competing against Mohun Bagan for the top spot.

However, Gerard Zaragoza’s side seem to have lost their momentum with the turn of the year. Bengaluru FC ended their six-game winless run against Jamshedpur FC earlier this month, beating the Red Miners 3-0. While their hopes of winning the ISL Shield are gone, Bengaluru FC are still one of the favourites to make it to the knockout stage. Here is how BFC can qualify for the ISL 2024-25 playoffs.

What do Bengaluru FC need to do to make it to the ISL playoffs?

Gerard Zaragoza’s side are currently 6th in the ISL 2024-25 standings. The Southern giants have 31 points from 20 league games, having won nine, drawn four, and lost seven games.

With four league games remaining, Bengaluru FC’s hopes of getting into the playoffs is still in their hands. If Sunil Chhetri and company can win at least two of their remaining league games, BFC will have a great chance to qualify for the knockouts.

Currently, 39 points are enough to certainly get the Blues over the line. This is due to the fact that Odisha FC, the seventh-placed team can only get to 38 points if they win their remaining three ISL games. If Odisha drop any further points, the quota to qualify will become easier for BFC.

Also Read: ISL 2024-25: Teams who can still qualify for the ISL playoffs

Odisha FC’s last three ISL league games of this season are against Mohun Bagan, Mohammedan SC, and Jamshedpur FC. Hence, it is highly likely that the Juggernauts might drop 2-4 points. Kerala Blasters, currently eighth, are also prospects to reach the playoffs if BFC drop points.

Bengaluru FC on the other hand will be playing against NorthEast United on Friday. Following this, the Blues have a Southern Derby at home against Chennaiyin FC before playing East Bengal and Mumbai City to end their season.

While the top two spots are out of the question, BFC can still finish third or fourth, giving them a home advantage for the one-legged knockout game against the fifth and sixth-placed sides. With no easy fixtures, Gerard Zaragoza’s team would have to dig deep to pick up at least 6-8 points from their remaining four games.

Bengaluru FC’s performance in the playoffs so far

Having joined the Indian Super League in the 2017-18 season, Bengaluru FC have made it to the playoffs four times. The last time the Blues reached the playoffs was in the 2022-23 season when they went all the way to the final, losing on penalties to ATK Mohun Bagan.

Overall, Bengaluru FC have had three appearances in the ISL final, winning it once against FC Goa in the 2018-19 season. Can Sunil Chettri and company add another ISL Cup to their name at the end of this season? Let us know your thoughts…

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