ISL: Kerala Blasters qualify for playoffs as Punjab lose to Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Kerala Blasters qualified for the ISL playoffs for the third season in a row after Punjab FC lost to Odisha FC on Tuesday.

Diego Mauricio scored a brace in Odisha's 3-1 win. The defeat for Punjab means the maximum points they can get from their remaining group matches are 27.  

Chennaiyin on 21 points from 19 matches are the only side with a matchematical possibility of equalling the Blasters' 30 points should they win their remaining games.

However, Blasters, who are currently in the fifth spot won't slip from the top-six even if they fail to collect any point from their remaining three matches. The Yellow Brigade meet East Bengal FC in their final home match on Wednesday.

Mumbai City FC, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Odisha, FC Goa and Blasters have sealed their place in the playoffs. The fight is for the sixth and final playoff spot.

The top two teams will directly qualify for the semifinals, while the remaining four will be involved in a single-leg knockout match.