Why Bengaluru FC Finished above NorthEast United FC in the ISL 2024-25 standings?
The Blues are placed third overall in the final ISL 2024-25 league standings.
The dramatic conclusion to the 2024-25 Indian Super League (ISL) season witnessed Bengaluru FC, Jamshedpur FC, and NorthEast United FC amass 38 points each from all their league games. The rare scenario did perplex many ISL fans, who were bamboozled when they saw the final league standings despite all three being level on points.
Hoping to ease the confusion, the application of the ISL’s tiebreaker rules to determine the final league standings was necessitated. Despite both NorthEast United FC and Bengaluru FC having identical points, Bengaluru FC secured the higher position due to a superior head-to-head record.
Current ISL playoffs format and qualification
The ISL playoffs format is simple on the outset for fans to understand with the top-two teams gaining direct semi-final berths , while the four teams ranked from third to sixth then settling things in one-off playoff games. The winner of these knockout games will proceed to the semi-finals.
However, this season’s final standings have definitely forced many fans to refer to the league guidelines to comprehend the table. While Bengaluru FC was deemed as third place finishers, NorthEast United FC and Jamshedpur FC were deemed as fourth and fifth spot holders.
Decoding the ISL tie-breaker rules was essential
In order to determine the final standings in case of a three-way tie, the ISL employed a systematic approach to proceed in such situations:
- Points in head-to-head matches among tied teams
- Goal difference in head-to-head matches among tied teams
- Goals scored in head-to-head matches among tied teams
- Goal difference in all league matches
- Goals scored in all league matches
- Highest Fair Play Ranking
- Drawing of lots by the league
After application of the above mentioned criteria sequentially, a distinction was established by the league.
Application of tie-breaker rules is a little complex
Evaluating the standings of NorthEast United FC, Bengaluru FC, and Jamshedpur FC, reveals that both NorthEast United FC and Bengaluru FC accumulated seven points in their four head-to-head encounters, while Jamshedpur FC only managed to record three points, placing them below the other two teams at the fifth spot in the final ISL table.
To further distinguish between the Blues and the Highlanders, head-to-head stats against each other were taken into consideration. Having won one game and drawn another, Bengaluru had accumulated four points while NorthEast had only one point; hence, the Blues were placed above in the third spot.
Bengaluru FC position has huge implications on the ISL playoffs
This tiebreaker outcome had significant implications for the playoff fixtures. By finishing third, Bengaluru FC earned the advantage of hosting the 6th placed team, Mumbai City FC, at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru. While finishing 4th meant that NorthEast United FC will be hosting Jamshedpur FC in the off playoff game in Shillong.
While the minute details would be a headache for any ISL fan across the subcontinent, it highlights the league’s machinery to ensure fairness and transparency. With the playoffs fast approaching, all the teams involved will be keen to capitalize on their league performances and keen to capture the ISL title.
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