Semi-Final Berth At Stake As Sunil Chhetri-Powered Bengaluru FC Host Mumbai City FC In Knockout Match

Former Cup winners Bengaluru FC, powered by the evergreen Sunil Chhetri, would look to secure a place in the Indian Super League semi-finals when they host Mumbai City FC in a high-stake knockout clash in Bengaluru on Saturday. The veteran forward Chhetri, who recently came out of International retirement, has already converted four penalties this season and could become the first player to score 10 goals against Mumbai City FC in ISL history. Chhetri has scored eight goals in ISL playoffs -- more than any other player in the competition's history -- as he would once again look to make a difference.

With goals in three of his last four playoff appearances, the Indian legend remains a major threat to the Islanders' backline.

Bengaluru finished third in the league standings with 38 points from 24 matches, courtesy of 11 wins and five draws. Mumbai City FC, on the other hand, managed to scrape into the playoffs with a sixth-place finish after a decisive 2-0 victory over the Blues on the final matchday.

The top two teams -- Mohun Bagan Super Giant and FC Goa this season -- at the end of the League stage will automatically qualify for the semi-finals. Teams finishing between third and sixth will feature in a single-leg knockout to determine the other two semi-finalists.

NorthEast United and Jamshedpur FC finished fourth and fifth in the league stage and they face against each other on Sunday in Shillong to seal the last remaining semifinal spot.

Historically, Mumbai City FC have dominated this fixture in recent times, winning four of their last five matches against Bengaluru.

However, the hosts will take confidence from their dramatic penalty shootout victory over the Islanders in the 2022-23 semi-finals, the only previous