How Bengaluru FC turned around form during ISL playoffs?

Bengaluru FC have scored eight goals in their last three games.

Indian Super League (ISL) club Bengaluru FC have been on a tear during the playoffs and find themselves in the Final against shield winners Mohun Bagan Super Giant. The Blues have had a dream run since the conclusion of the regular season, where they ended their campaign with a 2-0 loss at home to Mumbai City FC.

Bengaluru FC finished third in the final league standings with 38 points from 24 games and qualified for the playoffs after a short absence. Head coach Gerard Zaragoza has had a mixed run of form since taking charge in the summer, but he has got the best version of his side in the ISL playoffs.

The City of Joy awaits us! 📌Mohun Bagan SG stand between the Blues and ISL glory. Onto Kolkata then, together! 🔵#WeAreBFC #ISLfinal #MBSGBFC #ಒಟ್ಟಿಗೆ #Ottige pic.twitter.com/GJs1lNPDfK

— Bengaluru FC (@bengalurufc) April 7, 2025

Here’s a look at potential reasons for a successful turnaround in the ISL playoffs this season:

The rise of Namgyal Bhutia

After a relatively unremarkable season and limited game-time under head coach Zaragoza, Bhutia was suddenly thrust into the deep end during the ISL playoffs. The 25-year-old was the backup right-back to Nikhil Poojary, who has had an injury-marred season with Bengaluru FC.

Poojary’s absence during the regular season left a gaping hole for Zaragoza at right back. The Blues already playing Rahul Bheke at center-back complicated matters, and the Spaniard had to rely on backup options. However, the playoffs saw Zaragoza rely full faith on Bhutia, who exceeded all expectations.

Bhutia has played in three ISL playoff games providing two assists over 270 minutes of football. The youngster has shown great endeavor in the games he has played for Bengaluru FC and supplied vital assists for his side as evidenced in the cross which set up the last-gasp winner scored by Sunil Chhetri.

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Attacking spark from the summer signings

The Blues had a relatively good scoring season during the 2024-25 regular season, however, they relied on the brilliance of Sunil Chhetri to get out of sticky situations in games. The 40-year-old scored 12 of the 40 league goals scored by Bengaluru FC this season, showing his importance in attack.

However, the playoffs have witnessed the Blues captain being relegated to the bench and the reliance on the summer signing of Edgar Mendez and foreign players like Ryan Williams. Even young Indian players like Sivasakthi Narayanan and Vinith Venkatesh have stepped up in Chhetri’s absence and are doing the dirty work for team success. Bengaluru has scored eight goals over their three playoff games further providing more confidence to the attackers ahead of the all-important Final.

Defensive solidity in challenging situations

The club has had their struggles in the ISL this season defensively despite a strong start where they kept five consecutive clean sheets. However, Bengaluru FC then failed to keep a clean sheet till match week 20, with defensive fragility being the main sticking point and the form of goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. They conceded 31 goals over the regular season while scoring 40 goals in attack.

However, the club has since witnessed a stunning turnaround in their three playoff games, conceding only two goals over three games and keeping two clean sheets in the process. Sandhu also seems to be back at his best and has made some crucial saves during the playoffs this season.

With the ISL Final fast approaching on Saturday, the Blues have hit form at the perfect time and find themselves in a promising position. Bengaluru will be keen to put their best forward as they seem to be looking to end their season with a flourish.

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