On Saturday, Mumbai City FC will play Bengaluru FC in a crucial matchup for the ISL 2024–25 Playoffs at Sree Kanteerava Stadium. After defeating Bengaluru FC 2-0 at the same location only two weeks before to guarantee their spot in the postseason, the Islanders enter the match with confidence.

Prior to the match, striker Nikolaos Karelis and head coach Petr Kratky were upbeat about their chances while acknowledging the difficulty they would face.

Karelis, who has 10 goals this season and is among the league’s top scorers, emphasized the value of teamwork and consistency. “As a striker, scoring goals is always enjoyable. It’s one of my primary responsibilities. It’s crucial for me to instill confidence in my teammates and coaching staff because they have trusted me.

“They were there throughout the season, and my own diligence reflects that. However, in general, I believe my colleagues can do a lot with this, therefore I need to be more reliable. I always think I can do better, so all I have to do is assist the team reach its objectives and score more points,” he said.

Kratky agreed, reiterating that collaboration is the foundation of Mumbai City FC’s success. “I don’t believe there is anything we need. It’s always a team effort. Although Karelis scored ten goals, the team as a whole is responsible for the success, and when we work together, everything falls into place,” he remarked. “Niko can score because someone is passing the ball to him in the proper places and giving him an assist. That’s the main point,” Kratky said.

Mumbai City FC finished the league stage on a high note with an exciting win against Bengaluru FC, after sharing points in their home match earlier this season. But Kratky expected this time to be a far more difficult battle. “When I look at Bengaluru and the last game, I know it will be a totally different match,” he said.

“They will be more stronger this time around since they missed a lot of guys. We must be prepared for it. They are an excellent squad, and there’s a good reason they placed well in the rankings. This season, they have been a strong squad. Digging deep, leaving, and winning are our options. “I see it as the end of one competition and the start of another,” he said.

Mumbai City FC will want to maintain their momentum as a spot in the semifinals is at stake. “We know the mood is really good, and the energy in the team is high,” Karelis said when discussing the team’s morale. Everyone is motivated and pushing one another throughout training. After a season-ending loss, we wanted to make it to the playoffs. Everyone is pressing and prepared for the main battle, however, as I said. We are aware that we are against a formidable foe, therefore we will exert all effort possible.”

Karelis highlighted Bengaluru FC’s strong defensive framework while discussing their advantages. “They have a formidable defensive line that is hard to penetrate. If you make a mistake during an assault, they will take advantage of you and punish you. We just need to play our game and be patient, however, as I said. We simply need to perform on game day because we know what we are capable of.”