Bhubaneswar: Odisha FC will face the challenge of ATK Mohun Bagan in Knockout 2 of ISL-9 playoffs.
It will be a make-or-break match for both sides, as the winner will advance to the semifinals while the losing team will be eliminated for this season.
In their two league clashes this season, the teams shared honours at Kalinga Stadium on December 15. In the return game at Salt Lake Stadium a month ago, Odisha FC lost 0-2.
Odisha FC, who managed to qualify for the playoffs after FC Goa lost their last league match to Bengaluru FC, finished sixth with 30 points from 20 points.
ATK Mohun Bagan, on the other hand, earned 34 points to occupy third place.
As per the format of ISL-9, the top 2 finishers – Mumbai City FC and Hyderabad FC — qualified directly for the semifinals.
The No. 4 and No. 5 – Bengaluru and Kerala Blasters — will face off in Knockout 1 on March 3 at the former’s home Sree Kanteerava Stadium.
The No. 3 and No. 6 – ATK Mohun Bagan and Odisha FC – will clash in Knockout 2 at Salt Lake Stadium on March 4.
The winners of Knockout 1 will earn the right to challenge Mumbai City FC in the home-and-away semifinal on March 7 and 12.
The ATK Mohun Bagan vs Odisha FC winner will advance to the double-leg semifinal against defending champions Hyderabad FC (March 9 and 13).
