Matchweek 25 of the Indian Super League (ISL) proved to be a pivotal round of matches, sealing the fate of some teams and intensifying the playoff race for others. East Bengal FC's hopes of reaching the playoffs were dashed following a frustrating home draw against Bengaluru FC; this result mathematically eliminated them from contention for a coveted playoff spot.

In a more decisive encounter, NorthEast United FC showcased their attacking prowess by securing a dominant 3-0 victory over Chennaiyin FC, a result that boosted their morale significantly.

Meanwhile, FC Goa continued their impressive campaign, further solidifying their position in second place on the league table with a comprehensive clean-sheet victory on their home turf against Mohammedan FC, with the Gurs' defensive solidity and attacking efficiency on full display. Odisha FC managed to keep their faint playoff aspirations alive, albeit hanging by a thread. By narrowly defeating Jamshedpur FC in what was their final league game of the season. This hard-fought victory provided a glimmer of hope for the Odisha-based team.

Elsewhere, Punjab FC emerged victorious in a contest against Hyderabad FC, winning the match by a score of 2-0. With neither team in contention for the playoffs, the game became a battle for bragging rights and to finish the season on a positive note, which Punjab FC ultimately achieved. To conclude the round, Kerala Blasters FC managed to secure a valuable late-season win against Mumbai City FC. This 1-0 victory for the Blasters had the effect of prolonging the playoff race, ensuring that the battle for the final playoff spots would go down to the wire for Mumbai City FC and Odisha FC.

Here are the key takeaways as we bid farewell to Matchweek 25.

NorthEast United FC confirms a spot in this season's playoffs

NorthEast United FC has triumphantly clinched a coveted playoff berth following what can only be described as a truly rollercoaster of a season. The team, masterfully guided by head coach Juan Pedro Benali, experienced a campaign filled with both highs and lows, ultimately culminating in a well-deserved spot in the knockout stages. After showcasing a period of strong and promising performances early on in the season, NorthEast United FC successfully reached the playoffs in Matchweek 25, a significant milestone in their campaign.

The Highlanders secured their place in the playoffs with a total of 35 points, a testament to their hard work and determination throughout the season. The decisive match that sealed their fate was a resounding victory against Chennaiyin FC, played in Chennai. NorthEast United FC showcased their dominance with an impressive 3-0 scoreline, leaving no doubt about their playoff credentials. Jithin Subran, Nestor Albiach, and the team's Golden-Boot frontrunner Alaaeddine Ajaraie were all instrumental in securing the victory, each finding the back of the net early in the first half. Their early goals provided a significant advantage and set the tone for the remainder of the match.

FC Goa solidifies a second-place league finish

FC Goa's meticulously crafted strategy, head coach Manolo Marquez's "El Plan", reached its season-long objective in Matchweek 25, officially confirming their second-place finish in the league standings. The Gaurs have amassed an impressive 48 points with a single match still to be played, a testament to their consistent performance throughout the campaign. Their runners-up position was emphatically secured through a well-executed tactical victory on their home ground against Mohammedan SC.

The Goa side demonstrated both offensive prowess and defensive solidity in this crucial match, comfortably winning by a margin of two goals. Crucially, they also succeeded in maintaining a clean sheet, denying Mohammedan SC any opportunity to score and further solidifying their dominance in the game and, consequently, in the league table. This victory served as the perfect culmination of Marquez's strategic vision, delivering the coveted runners-up spot for FC Goa after a season of focused execution and tactical brilliance.

Odisha FC keeps their dreams alive.

Odisha FC, managed by Sergio Lobera, entered their final league encounter against Jamshedpur FC knowing a victory was absolutely crucial. Their playoff aspirations hung precariously in the balance, and only a win would keep their hopes alive. The stakes were high, with the entire season potentially culminating in this single match.

From the outset, Odisha FC asserted their dominance, particularly during the first half of the contest. Their attacking prowess was on full display as they relentlessly pressured the Jamshedpur FC defense. This sustained pressure eventually yielded results, with Dorielton finding the back of the net to give Odisha a crucial lead. Building upon this momentum, Hugo Boumous then showcased his individual brilliance, scoring not one, but two goals, thereby completing a brace and further extending Odisha's advantage, and at halftime, the scoreline reflected Odisha's superiority, with a comfortable lead established.

However, the second half witnessed a spirited fightback from Jamshedpur FC, as they managed to breach Odisha FC’s defense on two separate occasions, narrowing the deficit and injecting tension into the closing stages of the match. Despite Jamshedpur's valiant efforts to claw their way back into the game, Odisha FC managed to withstand the pressure and ultimately secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory.

This win was vital, but their playoff destiny still remains out of their hands. Odisha's hopes of securing a playoff berth now depend entirely on the performance of Mumbai City FC in their remaining two matches. For Odisha to clinch sixth place and qualify for the playoffs, Mumbai City FC must lose both of their remaining games, failing to secure any points whatsoever. With the fate of Odisha FC's season now rests on the outcomes of those crucial matches.

Mumbai City FC's search continues for the final piece of the puzzle

Mumbai City FC entered Matchweek 25 against Kerala Blasters FC in Kochi with a weight of expectation on their shoulders. Following a season that had been far from satisfactory, plagued by a lack of consistency and a series of squandered chances, the team knew the importance of the fixture. With just two matches remaining, Peter Kratky's men were in a relatively favorable position. A single point from either of their remaining games would be enough to guarantee their place in the playoffs, securing them a coveted spot ahead of Odisha FC in the standings.

Despite the clear objective and the opportunity at hand, Mumbai City FC put in a performance that can only be described as frustratingly uninspired. The team seemed to lack the spark and creativity needed to break down the Blasters' defense. The first half unfolded as a tactical stalemate, with both sides demonstrating a degree of defensive solidity, effectively nullifying each other's attacking forays. Neither team managed to create any clear-cut chances, and the score remained deadlocked at 0-0 as the halftime whistle blew.

The second half saw a shift in momentum, with Kerala Blasters FC beginning to assert more control over the game. Mumbai City FC, who desperately needed to find a breakthrough, instead found themselves struggling to cope with the increasing offensive pressure from their opponents. The Blasters' persistence eventually paid off, as they managed to unlock the Mumbai City FC defense with a well-crafted team move, culminating in an unorthodox finish from their forward. The goal gave the Blasters a crucial lead, putting Mumbai City FC under immense pressure.

The Blasters' defense remained resolute, denying the Islanders any clear sights of goal. The Blasters managed to maintain their slender lead and, crucially, preserve their clean sheet until the final whistle. The match concluded with a 1-0 defeat for Mumbai City FC, a result that left them deeply disappointed and facing an anxious wait, forcing them to rely on a positive outcome in their final fixture to secure their place in the coveted playoffs.