Matchweek 24 of the Indian Super League (ISL) season reached fever pitch as many teams battled to stay in contention for the playoffs. NorthEast United FC were the only side to miss action in this Matchweek.

The action began with Bengaluru FC completing a league double over Chennaiyin FC, securing a hard-fought win at home. East Bengal FC extended their fine form, recording a third consecutive win in the ISL for the first time, defeating Hyderabad FC and keeping their playoff dreams alive.

FC Goa then ensured they remained in the hunt for a direct semi-final spot with a crucial victory over Punjab FC. Meanwhile, Odisha FC suffered a setback as they were held to a frustrating draw by Mohammedan SC.

Saturday's doubleheader provided high-octane entertainment, with Mumbai City FC and Mohun Bagan Super Giant playing out a dramatic 2-2 draw, before Kerala Blasters FC were denied a much-needed win against Jamshedpur FC following a last-minute equalizer.

With that, here are the major takeaways from Matchweek 24.

Matchweek 2️⃣4️⃣ saw late comebacks, broken hearts, and an intense #ISLPlayoffs race! 🚀

Only 2️⃣ spots left, Matchweek 25 will certainly be a CRACKER! 🔥#ISL #LetsFootball | @JioHotstar @StarSportsIndia @eastbengal_fc @JamshedpurFC @NEUtdFC pic.twitter.com/PkGDvHypXo

— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) March 1, 2025

Three teams drop out of playoffs

The battle for playoff spots became clearer as three teams saw their hopes dashed this Matchweek. Chennaiyin FC, Punjab FC and Kerala Blasters FC needed victories to keep their campaigns alive but fell short.

Kerala Blasters FC will be particularly disappointed, as they were leading Jamshedpur FC 1-0 deep into the game before conceding a late equaliser. It was a gut-wrenching blow for the Blasters, who had fought hard to keep their chances alive.

Chennaiyin FC and Punjab FC also suffered narrow defeats by just one goal, which proved to be the final nail in the coffin for their playoff ambitions. While Chennaiyin FC had managed to secure a playoff spot last season, Punjab FC had made a promising start to their ISL campaign before a dip in form derailed their campaign. Their struggles highlight the competitive nature of this season, leaving the remaining teams battling for the final two available playoff spots.

Raphael Messi Bouli gets off the mark

East Bengal FC continued their rich vein of form with a crucial 2-0 win over Hyderabad FC, marking their third consecutive ISL victory. The win could not have come at a better time as they prepare for the AFC Challenge League in March.

One of the game’s biggest talking point was the impact made by Raphael Messi Bouli. The Cameroonian forward had been a constant attacking presence in the game, showing glimpses of brilliance but struggled to find the net. He struck the post earlier in the match but finally got his breakthrough with a brilliant solo goal late in the game, capping off a fine performance.

His partnership with Dimitrios Diamantakos has given East Bengal FC a much-needed boost in attack. With several key players missing due to injuries, Bouli’s emergence as a reliable attacking outlet has been a welcome relief for the Red and Gold Brigade.

Odisha FC’s playoff hopes take a huge hit

Odisha FC went into their match against Mohammedan SC knowing that only a win would make their chase for the playoff spot easy. Unfortunately, they failed to get the desired result, as Mohammedan SC held them to a draw, dealing a severe blow to their ambitions.

The Kalinga Warriors struggled to assert themselves in the game, missing key players like Hugo Boumous and Mourtada Fall. Their absence was evident, as Odisha FC lacked the cutting edge needed to secure three points.

Now, Odisha FC’s playoff chances are hanging by a thread. They need Mumbai City FC and NorthEast United FC to falter in their remaining fixtures to keep the equation alive. Given the unpredictable nature of this season, anything is possible, but Odisha FC will need a miracle to sneak into the top six.

Mumbai City FC, Mohun Bagan Super Giant serve up another classic

The last time Mumbai City FC and Mohun Bagan Super Giant met at the Mumbai Football Arena, the game turned into an unforgettable encounter with the Islanders securing a 2-1 win. However, the match also grabbed headlines for its intense nature, as a staggering seven red cards were issued.

The anticipation leading up to their latest clash was immense, and the game lived up to expectations once again. Mohun Bagan Super Giant raced to a 2-0 lead and looking poised to claim all three points at half-time. However, Mumbai City FC showcased immense resilience, mounting a stunning comeback in the second half.

Despite going down to 10 men after Vikram Partap Singh’s red card, Mumbai City FC refused to back down. Nathan Rodrigues emerged as the hero, scoring a dramatic equalizer at the death to ensure the points were shared.

The result leaves Mumbai City FC on the cusp of playoff qualification, just one point away from securing their place. The spirited comeback against a top side like Mohun Bagan Super Giant will undoubtedly give them immense confidence as they head into the final stretch of the season.