With the semi-final race reaching its final phase, ATK Mohun Bagan and Bengaluru FC (BFC) will face off in a crucial ISLVIII match here on Sunday.

ATK Mohun Bagan were halted on their tracks with two successive draws at a time when they were fighting for the League Shield, which now seems a distant dream. The Mariners have 31 points from 17 matches, four less than league leaders Hyderabad who have secured a semi-final spot, and three adrift of second-placed Jamshedpur FC who also have one foot in the knockout stage.

ATK Bagan dropped points against Kerala Blasters and Odisha FC, losing their grip over the League Shield race but are very much in the fray for a semifinal spot with three games in hand.