Bengaluru FC are still in it; a come-from-behind win on Monday night over Odisha FC allowed them to keep up with their competitors in the top-four race, albeit only just. The Blues are up against it, though, having played two games more than most of the other challengers – and are still only fifth with two to go. Meanwhile, following their latest loss, Odisha are all but out of the race for the playoffs.
Things started well for the Juggernauts, though, when they took the lead in the ninth minute through Nandha Kumar. Drawing defender Alan Costa out of his backline, Odisha’s Isaac Vanmalsawma released Jonathas de Jesus behind the opposition defence. The forward was quickly smothered by BFC custodian Lara Sharma, but the loose ball fell to the feet of Nandha, who slammed it into an empty net.
Bengaluru hit back and were level a minute past the half-hour mark. A deep corner by Naorem Roshan Singh was headed into the net by Danish Farooq Bhat almost on the goal-line, and, just like that, the Blues were level. In first-half stoppage-time, Nandha had the opportunity to restore Odisha’s lead.
Released by attacker Javi Hernandez, Nandha took the ball away from Lara but failed to hit the target despite the goal being unguarded. The side-netting rippled with his shot, instead, and the two teams went into the break level.
To make matters worse, Hector Rodas conceded a penalty to Udanta Singh a minute after the restart. Cleiton Silva presided over the spot-kick, and despite Kamaljit Singh’s best efforts to throw him off, he coolly slotted it into the corner. Kamaljit kept Bengaluru from racing clear when he denied Prince Ibara from close range in the 53rd minute; Bruno Ramires hit the bar with the follow-up. At the other end, Lara made a fantastic stop to turn Isaac’s shot onto the post and away to safety.
Bengaluru held onto their narrow lead to get the maximum points. However, still fifth with 26, they need a miracle to make it through to the playoffs.
2021/22 Indian Premier League: top 6
| # | Team | Matches played | Goal difference | Points |
| 1 | Hyderabad | 17 | +21 | 32 |
| 2 | Jamshedpur | 16 | +12 | 31 |
| 3 | ATK Mohun Bagan | 16 | +9 | 30 |
| 4 | Kerala Blasters | 16 | +6 | 27 |
| 5 | Bengaluru | 18 | +6 | 26 |
| 6 | Mumbai City | 16 | +5 | 25 |
