ISL 2023-24: Teams that have spent most days at top of the table
Let's review the teams that have held the top position and their duration of stay at the summit this season.
Note: The figures in this article are accounted till March 24.
The Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 season has reached a standstill with the onset of the international break, immediately following after the conclusion of Matchweek 19. The league is set to restart on March 30, 2024, with Bengaluru FC hosting Odisha FC, inaugurating the final phase of the league stage.
As the table stands before we begin with Matchweek 20, Mumbai City FC sit atop the table with 41 points from their 19 matches, with Mohun Bagan Super Giant following closely with 39 points in one less game. FC Goa and Odisha FC come next occupying the third and fourth positions on the league table, respectively. With Kerala Blasters FC at fifth, Punjab FC, Bengaluru FC, Jamshedpur FC, East Bengal FC, and Chennaiyin FC are all in contention for the sixth and final playoff spot, with only three points separating the team currently occupying the sixth spot (Punjab FC) and the eleventh placed team (Chennaiyin FC).
Hyderabad FC remain the only team out of the playoff race having registered only eight points from their 19 matches.
Alongside a heated playoff race, we are also witnessing an intense battle for the League Shield between the top four teams (Mumbai City FC, Mohun Bagan SG, FC Goa, and Odisha FC) with only six points separating Mumbai City FC and Odisha FC.
Before stepping into the decisive matchweeks of the ISL 2023-24 season, let’s take a look at the teams that have occupied the top spot during this season.
Mumbai City FC (17 days)
The Islanders currently hold the top spot in the ongoing ISL season, having amassed 41 points from their 19 games. Despite experiencing only two losses this season, against Kerala Blasters FC and Jamshedpur FC, the team under the guidance of coach Petr Kratky maintains a two-point lead over second-placed Mohun Bagan SG, having played one additional game. Mumbai City FC has spent a total of 15 days at the helm of the table. Their recent league fixture before the international break saw them secure a convincing 4-1 victory over NorthEast United FC.
Odisha FC (32 days)
The Kalinga Warriors have been dominant in the league, boasting an unbeaten streak from November 2023 to March 2024. With only three defeats this season, Odisha FC currently sits in fourth place on the league table, having accumulated 35 points from 18 games. Despite suffering a disappointing loss to Chennaiyin FC in their last league fixture before the international break, the team, led by coach Sergio Lobera, had gathered significant momentum since November 2023, which had previously kept them at the top of the league table for slightly over a month. They are the only side this season that are yet to face a defeat at home.
Mohun Bagan SG (35 days)
The Mariners made an impressive start to the season, maintaining an exceptional unbeaten run until they were defeated by Mumbai City FC in December 2023. This loss initiated a three-match losing streak, marking their only defeats this season, just before the mid-season break.
Following the appointment of Antonio Lopez Habas as head coach in January, there has been a resurgence for the Kolkata side. They have rediscovered their form and are back at their peak, securing 39 points from 18 matches so far. Additionally, they have spent 35 days leading the table during this process. They have lost just one home game this season, which came against FC Goa back in December. The Mariners have won five home games this season with their last home victory coming against Jamshedpur FC.
Kerala Blasters FC (45 days)
Kerala Blasters FC showcased brilliance in the initial phase of the season, allowing them to maintain the fifth position on the league table with 29 points from 18 matches. Despite their impressive start, the team has faced challenging outcomes since the league resumed in January, suffering five defeats in six games. They recorded one win during this period, which came against FC Goa in Kochi, where the Blasters scripted an incredible turnaround to overcame a two-goal deficit. Overall, Ivan Vukomanovic's side have suffered seven defeats all season.
However, it's worth noting that the Blasters enjoyed a memorable stint at the top of the points table, occupying the position for 45 days during the first half of the league stage.
FC Goa (57 days)
Under Manolo Marquez, the Gaurs had a brilliant start to the 2023-24 season wrapping up the first half of the league season as the only unbeaten team. One of their biggest wins of the season came against Mohun Bagan SG, in Kolkata, in December.
However, FC Goa experienced a downturn in fortunes with three consecutive defeats in February 2024. Despite this setback, they currently occupy the third position on the table, having amassed 36 points from 19 matches.
FC Goa's exceptional performance in the initial phase of the season, coupled with a lengthy midseason break, enabled them to spend an impressive 57 days at the summit of the league table.
