Indian Super League (ISL) is fastly moving towards its business end and Matchweek 19 threw up some big results in the race for the playoff spots and the League Shield.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant gave themselves some breathing space at the top with a 1-0 win over Bengaluru FC in the opening match of the matchweek before Jamshedpur FC closed the gap on the Mariners to remain on their coattails with a 2-1 win away to Punjab FC.

NorthEast United FC then took another step towards the playoff spots with a handsome 4-1 success over Hyderabad FC before Kerala Blasters FC compounded Chennaiyin FC’s woes with a 3-1 victory in Chennai.

The matchweek ended with an entertaining 0-0 draw between Mumbai City FC and East Bengal FC.

As we quickly transition into matchweek 20 which consists of just four games, we take a look back at

Mohun Bagan’s home dominance

With their 1-0 win against Bengaluru FC, Mohun Bagan Super Giant have won eight consecutive home games in the ISL, only FC Goa have recorded a longer such streak in the competition (9 games between December 2019 and November 2022).

The Mariners have scored in 17 consecutive home games in the ISL, the outright longest such goalscoring run by any side in competition history.

Jose Molina’s team are threatening to run away with the League Shield and with the win on Monday, all but ended Bengaluru FC’s chances of securing the Shield.

Their form at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan could prove to be the difference between them and the other teams.

NorthEast United FC flex their attacking muscle

The 4-1 win over Hyderabad FC was the third time NorthEast United FC have scored four plus goals in a single game in the ongoing ISL season (also five each vs Hyderabad FC on 23 December 2024 & vs Jamshedpur FC on 26 October 2024), the outright most often by any side; in fact, the Highlanders have now achieved their highest goal tally in a single season in the competition (35 in 2024-25), surpassing a previous high of 33 in 2020-21.

NorthEast United FC accrued an expected goals (xG) value of 3.06 against Hyderabad FC, their highest in a single game in the ongoing ISL season and fourth highest by any side; in fact, they were involved in a total of seven big chances, the most by any side in a single game this season.

Alaaeddine Ajaraie has led the attacking charge for Juan Pedro Benali’s men and he was at the forefront yet again on Wednesday. Ajaraie has now directly contributed to 21 goals (16G 5A) in the ongoing ISL campaign, the joint second most goal contributions by any player in their debut season (also Greg Stewart, Nerijus Valskis and Roy Krishna).

Rare Kerala Blasters FC joy on the road

Kerala Blasters FC recorded their first win against Chennaiyin FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai in the ISL; in fact, this is just their second league double over the Marina Machans in the competition (also in 2021-22).

The 3-1 win was just the seventh time Kerala Blasters FC have scored three-plus goals in an away game in the ISL, remaining unbeaten in all those instances (W5 D2); in fact, it was just the third time in ten away games this season that the Tuskers have scored first.

The win kept the Blasters in touch with the top six and also gave the fans a chance to celebrate a rare away success. TG Purushothaman’s side will need more success on their trips if they are to make it to the playoffs for the fourth season running.

Mumbai City FC’s worrying home form continues

Mumbai City FC failed to win at home for the sixth time this season in ten attempts when East Bengal FC held them to a goalless draw leaving their place in the top six vulnerable.

The Islanders won seven out of their 11 home games last season and lost just once but have already lost thrice and won just four times in ten games.

The big difference has been the lack of goals for the Islanders at home this season. The Islanders have scored just ten goals in as many games this season at home as opposed to 21 goals in 11 games at the Mumbai Football Arena last season. East Bengal FC didn’t have to toil too hard to become the fifth team to keep a clean sheet at the Mumbai Football Arena this season.

With fixtures against FC Goa and Mohun Bagan Super Giant to come at home this season, Petr Kratky’s side need to improve their record at home if they are to maintain their playoff ambitions.