The Indian Super League (ISL) is in its concluding stage and as it drifts towards the playoffs, the fans have become keen to know where the encounters will be held. According to a news report, the ISL final will take place at Mumbai Football Arena (Andheri Sports Complex) on March 17.
As per a Times of India report that cited a source close to the venue who confirmed that Mumbai will host the final. This has nullified the possibility of the event taking place at Goa and Guwahati, both possible venues.
While the final is held at a neutral venue usually, the trend has shown that the encounter between the finalists is held at one of the venues of the four teams that make it to the Super League semis This season, Bengaluru FC, FC Goa, NorthEast United, and Mumbai City FC have made the ISL playoffs.
The table topper, Bengaluru FC will face the fourth-placed team, which will either be NorthEast or Mumbai, on March 8 or 11 in the two-legged home and away semifinal legs. On the other hand, Goa will play the other semifinal on March 9 and 12.
Meanwhile, the league stages conclude on March 3 but the semifinalists will finish their campaign by March 2 itself. Therefore, each side gets at least 5 days to prepare for the semifinal and final.
This is the second final hosted by Mumbai after it was handed over the rights of the ISL final of its inaugural edition in 2014 which happened between Kerala Blasters and Atletico de Kolkata (now ATK). The encounter was held at Mumbai's DY Patil Stadium situated in Navi Mumbai.
Meanwhile, there have been concerns over the capacity of Mumbai Football Arena as it can only contain up to 8,000 spectators. However, the compactness of the stadium could result in creating an electric atmosphere for the players as well as spectators.
Interestingly, the clubs to host the finals have never won the title at their home ground. So, can Mumbai rise above the jinx and emerge as the ISL 2018-19 champions?
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