Indian Super League final to be played on March 20
What's the story
The Indian Super League (ISL) 2021-22 final will be played on March 20. The Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) on Thursday released the schedule for the semi-finals and the final. The semi-finals will be held on March 11-12 and 15-16 respectively. The Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, Goa will host the final. Here are the details.
Context
Why does this story matter?
The ISL season has taken a nice shape with a bit of twist and turns expected next. The top two sides will battle it out for League Shield and are somehow guaranteed progression given the rich vein of form. Teams pushing them will aim to finish in the top four. Things could get more interesting in the latter stages.
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A look at the schedule
Here's the schedule: Friday, March 11 - Semi-final 1 - 1st leg, Saturday, March 12 - Semi-final 2 - 1st leg, Tuesday, March 15 - Semi-final 1 - 2nd leg, Wednesday, March 16 - Semi-final 2 - 2nd leg, Sunday, March 20 - Final
Semis
Key details about the semis
The 'Away Goal' rule will not apply in the semi-finals. Teams with a superior goal aggregate in their respective two-legged ties will reach the final. The ISL league phase will end on March 7. The team finishing on top of the table will be crowned winners of the League Shield. They will get a direct group-stage entry into the AFC Champions League next season.
Top four
A look at the top four teams
As many as nine teams are in fray to qualify for the semis of the ISL season. Hyderabad FC top the show this season with 29 points. They are above second-placed ATK Mohun Bagan (29 points) but have a superior goal difference. Kerala Blasters (26 points) are third and are followed by Jamshedpur FC (25 points).
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The other five teams in fray for the semis
Mumbai City FC have 25 points and are placed sixth. They are followed by Bengaluru FC (23 points). The likes of Odisha FC (22 points), Chennaiyin FC (20 points), and Goa (18 points) have an outside chance of making it to the semis.