Mumbai City FC bowed out of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 playoffs, losing to Bengaluru FC, 5-0 at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in the first single-legged knockout game on Saturday. Despite moments of promise, the Islanders were unable to find their footing against a clinical Bengaluru side.
The hosts took an early lead in the 9th minute when Suresh found the back of the net, putting Mumbai on the back foot. The Islanders nearly found a response in the 11th minute. Mehtab Singh made a late run into the box, with a header, but his effort went just inches wide.
While Mumbai City FC were in search of an equaliser, Mehtab remained resolute in the back putting in a strong defensive shift. He held off Ryan Williams on multiple occasions, across both flanks. However, in the 42nd minute, Bengaluru FC were awarded a penalty, and Edgar Méndez made it 2-0.
Mumbai responded with a flurry of shots before the break. Brandon Fernandes, Nathan Rodrigues, and Lallianzuala Chhangte all registered shots on goal, but the Islanders came closest when Jorge Ortiz struck a free kick with precision, only to see his effort rattle the crossbar just before half-time.
Bengaluru widened the gap in the 63rd minute when Ryan Williams found the net to make it 3-0. In response, Mumbai City made a double change in the 65th minute, with Jon Toral replacing Yoel van Nieff and Sahil Panwar coming on for Chhangte. Bipin Singh was also introduced in the final 15 minutes, replacing Niko Karelis as Mumbai looked to find a way back.
Brandon Fernandes attempted to set up Ortiz with a long ball in the 74th minute, but Bengaluru’s defence shut the move down. Moments later, Thaer Krouma unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box, but his effort was saved at the centre of the goal, denying Mumbai a late breakthrough.
Bengaluru added to their tally in the 76th minute when Sunil Chhetri found the net from long range to make it 4-0. The night turned tougher for Mumbai City in the closing stages, as Jorge Pereyra Díaz added a fifth for Bengaluru in the 83rd minute, sealing a difficult result for the Islanders.
