East Bengal and Mohun Bagan are not considered a threat to their opposition now in Indian Super League (ISL). Their 'giants' status is now confined to Kolkata football only. The ISL 2023 is in its concluding phase with most of the league matches being over and the knock-out stage is all set to begin. Both Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, these century-old teams have as usually struggled and finally taken the advantage of keeping their existence in the no-relegation League. 

Mumbai City FC with 43 points from 17 matches so far has already secured their participation in the knock-out stage. As the first four ranked teams will be participating in the knock-out phase Hyderabad which has gathered 36 points in 16 matches so far to place itself in the second position is also sure for the knock-out phase. The remaining two participating teams in the knock-out phase are Kerala Blasters (28 points in 16 matches) and FC Goa (27 points in 17 matches). 

The other seven teams left behind, are far from the title, and Mohun Bagan is placed in the 5th spot. With a match left, the green-and-maroon brigade has gathered 27 points from 16 outings. Calculations show Mohun Bagan can advance to one spot only even if they win their concluding match in the ongoing league. The team that finished in the 5th spot in the last season will have to be content with the 4th position this season. 

East Bengal on the other hand, is in the same miserable condition as they were in the last ISL finishing in the 9th position. They have earned mere 15 points in 16 games and the most regrettable statistic is that out of their 16 matches, the red-and-gold brigade has been able to win five matches only. This year also, they will have no more chance to go up in the league table. 

The playoffs will be played on the 3rd and 4th of March. The semi-final matches will be held from March 7 to 13. The two winners of the playoffs will face each other with the top two finishers in the group stage. The semi-finals are going to be staged in two legs and the final will be staged on March 18.