Mumbai City FC confirmed their place in the Indian Super League 2024-25 playoffs after a commanding 2-0 victory over Bengaluru FC at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Tuesday.
As a result, the Islanders finished sixth in the league with 36 points. Meanwhile, Bengaluru FC, under coach Gerard Zaragoza, ended their campaign with 38 points.
Mumbai City FC Starts Aggressively
Right from the beginning, Mumbai City FC attacked with intensity. Their forwards combined well, creating multiple scoring opportunities. Soon, Jorge Ortiz received a pass from Lallianzuala Chhangte inside the penalty box and fired a left-footed shot, but the ball hit the crossbar.
Shortly after, the visitors increased the pressure. Nikolaos Karelis came close, heading the ball just wide from six yards out. However, in the eighth minute, he delivered a slick pass to Chhangte in the penalty area. Without hesitation, the captain struck the ball with his right foot, sending it into the center of the net and giving Mumbai City FC an early lead.
Bengaluru FC Tries to Respond
Determined to equalize, Bengaluru FC adjusted their approach. Around the 28th minute, Ryan Williams and Vinith Venkatesh attempted long-range shots. However, Mumbai City FC’s defense quickly regained their shape and blocked both efforts.
Meanwhile, Karelis continued to trouble Bengaluru’s defense. In the 37th minute, his quick footwork earned a penalty. Moments later, he calmly slotted the ball into the bottom right corner, doubling Mumbai’s advantage.
Second-Half Action and Defensive Stability
After halftime, Mumbai City FC remained in control. In the 56th minute, Chhangte delivered a well-placed pass to Ortiz, who attempted a close-range shot, but he failed to convert the chance.
On the other hand, Bengaluru FC refused to back down. In the 67th minute, Sunil Chhetri charged into Mumbai’s box and set up Edgar Mendez with a headed pass. Unfortunately for Bengaluru, Mendez’s shot went just wide of the right post.
Meanwhile, Chhangte continued to shine. He played a free-flowing role, creating chances and taking shots himself. In the 79th minute, he spotted Vikram Partap Singh in space and passed him the ball. Singh took a powerful long-range shot, but Bengaluru’s goalkeeper made an impressive save in the top-right corner.
Mumbai City FC Secures Playoff Spot
Despite Bengaluru’s late attempts, Mumbai City FC held firm. In the end, they walked away with three points and secured a well-deserved spot in the top six, earning their place in the playoffs.
