Since its establishment in 2013, the Indian Super League (ISL) has experienced a remarkable rise in popularity. Over the years, while attacking prowess and goal-scoring abilities have frequently captured the spotlight and garnered significant attention, defensive solidity and organizational strength are undeniably critical, particularly when teams reach the high-pressure environment of the ISL playoffs.

In these high-stakes matches, every aspect of the game is magnified, and defensive errors can prove exceptionally costly. Clean sheets, which represent a team's unwavering defensive resilience and ability to prevent the opposition from scoring, take on particular significance. The ability to consistently secure clean sheets showcases a team's disciplined organization, tactical awareness, and the individual brilliance of its backline all of which are crucial components for playoff success. A clean sheet can often be the deciding factor between victory and defeat in a playoff encounter.

With that, here’s a look at the teams which have kept the most clean sheets during the playoffs in ISL history.

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Bengaluru FC: 8 Clean Sheets

Since their entry into the league, Bengaluru FC have prioritised defensive stability, establishing themselves as a team incredibly difficult to break down, especially in crucial knockout matches. The Blues have consistently demonstrated exceptional defensive capabilities, particularly under the high-pressure environment of the playoffs.

Their remarkable record of eight clean sheets in playoff matches stands as a testament to this strength, a feat unmatched by any other team.

The Blues have reached the playoffs on five occasions: in the 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20, and 2022-23 seasons, in addition to the current campaign. In the ongoing playoffs, BFC have further enhanced their record by keeping two more clean sheets, first in a 5-0 win against Mumbai City FC, and then in a 2-0 win over FC Goa in the first leg of the semi-final.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant: 5 Clean Sheets

Mohun Bagan Super Giant have long been synonymous with defensive solidity. Their reputation for being a well-drilled, hard-to-break-down unit extends beyond the regular season, where they have kept the most clean sheets.

The Mariners’ defensive prowess is further underlined by their record of five clean sheets in playoff matches, a testament to their resilience when it matters most.

Since joining the league in the 2020-21 season, MBSG have reached the playoffs every season, winning two League Shields and lifting the ISL Cup which is a reflection of both consistency and their quality at the back.

ATK FC: 4 Clean Sheets

ATK FC's aggressive brand of football, complemented by solid defensive displays, played a crucial role in shaping tightly contested matches and significantly contributed to the narrative of their seasons.

Three of their four playoff clean sheets came during the inaugural ISL campaign, where they became the first side to lift the ISL Cup. ATK FC kept two clean sheets against FC Goa in the semi-final, securing a 2-0 aggregate win. The final, a thrilling showdown against Kerala Blasters FC, was more than just a title clash, it was a testament to ATK FC's relentless spirit. In a tightly contested game, they emerged victorious with a narrow 1-0 win, thanks to a dramatic late goal from Mohammed Rafique. While Rafique stole the headlines, the backline also earned plaudits for keeping a clean sheet against a formidable opponent.

Their fourth clean sheet came during the 2016 playoffs in the semi-final against Mumbai City FC. ATK FC then went on to defeat Kerala Blasters FC once again in the final, clinching their second ISL Cup.

FC Goa: 4 Clean Sheets

Traditionally known for their attacking flair, FC Goa have also shown glimpses of defensive solidity in the playoffs, registering four clean sheets in high-stakes matches. While not always celebrated for their defence, it’s the strength and effectiveness of their backline, especially under pressure, that has played a vital role in their postseason runs.

The Gaurs have qualified for the playoffs eight times including the current campaign, more than any other team. However, maintaining clean sheets has been a challenge. Their most recent clean sheet came in the 2020-21 semi-final, where they held eventual champions Mumbai City FC to a draw in the second leg before bowing out on penalties.

Mumbai City FC: 4 Clean Sheets

Rounding off the list is Mumbai City FC, with an impressive record of four playoff clean sheets.

The Islanders have consistently shown the ability to withstand immense pressure in high-stakes playoff encounters, backed by their trophy cabinet that includes two ISL Cups and two League Shields. Their crowning moment came in the 2020-21 season, when they made history by becoming the first team to win both the League Shield and the ISL Cup in the same campaign.

Two of their four playoff clean sheets came during that remarkable season. They edged past FC Goa on penalties after a goalless draw in the second leg of the semi-final, before clinching the ISL Cup with a 2-0 win over Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the final, completing a historic double.