The ISL 2020-21 playoff spots were finalized on Sunday. By winning the League Winners Shield, Mumbai City FC have booked an AFC Champions League slot. FC Goa, NorthEast United and ATK Mohun Bagan are the other ISL semi-finalists.
Mumbai City FC will play their two-legged semi-final against fourth-placed FC Goa, while ATK Mohun Bagan, who finished second in the league stage, will lock horns with third-placed NorthEast United FC.
The two-legged ties will not hold the ‘Away Goal’ rule for the semifinals. Teams with the higher goal aggregate in their respective ties will progress to the final.
Mumbai City win the 2020-21 ISL League Winners’ Shield
Mumbai City defeated ATK Mohun Bagan 2-0 on Sunday to finish at the summit of the ongoing Indian Super League (ISL) and in doing so have clinched ISL League Winners’ Shield.
Last year’s League Winner FC Goa will face the newly crowned champion Mumbai City FC in the first semifinal of the Indian Super League (ISL 2020-21) at the Fatorda Stadium in Margao on Friday.
This first-leg clash will pit MCFC coach Sergio Lobera against his former employer, FCG, yet again. The Islanders on Sunday became the second team to lift the ISL Shield after edging out ATK Mohun Bagan on head-to-head record.
Lobera’s men, alongside ATKMB, also matched Bengaluru FC’s 2017/18 record for the most points (40) accumulated in a single ISL season. Meanwhile, the Gaurs will be featuring in the tournament’s playoffs for a record-extending sixth time in seven years.
Goa head coach Juan Ferrando had a tough task in hand when he took over the club’s reigns. Several experienced stars had departed, and there was a lot of business to be done in the transfer market.
FCG had no wins in its opening three games and its chances of making the playoffs looked bleak after managing eight points from seven encounters. But from there, Ferrando’s side went on a 13-game unbeaten streak – an ISL record for longest undefeated streak – and sealed the spot.
On the other hand, MCFC was one of the favourites this time around. The team, majorly-owned by the City Football Group, claimed the first piece of silverware in its short history with some eye-catching football, otherwise known as ‘Lobera-ball’, on display.
FC Goa and Mumbai City FC have played each other 16 times. The Gaurs have registered 7 wins, while the Islanders have won on five occasions. There have been four draws between the two sides. FC Goa and Mumbai City FC played out an entertaining 3-3 draw in their most recent meeting earlier this season.
FC Goa will miss the services of Ivan Gonzalez and Alberto Noguera due to suspensions. Jorge Ortiz Mendoza is expected to slot in beside Igor Angulo upfront while Seriton Fernandes can make a comeback to the backline.
Mumbai City FC
Mumbai City FC’s highest assist-maker Hugo Boumous will return to the squad after serving a four-game suspension. Rowllin Borges is also likely to return to the roster. Amey Ranawade is unavailable for selection due to the accumulation of four yellow cards.
of these 
teams in HeroISL 2020-21!
in HeroISL 2020-21?
3⃣ in the Golden Boot race 
