A Lalchungnunga own goal put the Marina Machans in front before Rahim Ali's late goal managed to put them five points clear of the Torch Bearers with two games to go.
Positioned ninth in the league standings with 16 points, the Red and Gold Brigade have been unbeaten in two games - having beaten Kerala Blasters FC followed by a draw against bottom-placed NorthEast United FC, a feat they achieved for the first time this season.
Chennaiyin FC will be aching to end an eight-game winless streak. East Bengal FC could turn out to be the perfect opponent to do that as they have never beaten the Marina Machans in the ISL
With first place sealed, Mumbai City FC will travel to Bengaluru FC on February 15. FC Goa remain in fifth place but within touching distance of Odisha FC and Bengaluru FC. Their next assignment is Chennaiyin FC at home on February 16
Chennaiyin FC are undefeated in their last three home games and look to extend that run as they take the field for their penultimate home game of the season at the Marina Arena.
East Bengal FC is now two points behind their next opponents, Chennaiyin FC, and effectively at the end of their playoff race. The Marina Arena host that encounter on February 12. NorthEast United FC is now guaranteed a bottom-placed finish, but will be looking to spoil the playoff party for
The Marina Machans opened the scoring inside the first five minutes with midfielder Abdenaseer El Khayati, but the home side cancelled out the opening goal after Adrian Luna scored in the first half. Rahul KP scored the second goal and the eventual winner in the second half for the Blasters,
The win put Kerala Blasters four points ahead of FC Goa and ATK Mohun Bagan in third place in the ISL standings. Vukomanovic breathed a huge sigh of relief and believes they are now in a much better position
Three points puts Kerala Blasters four points clear of FC Goa and ATK Mohun Bagan in third place. The Blasters could confirm their playoff qualification against arch-rivals Bengaluru FC in their next game on February 11. Chennaiyin FC's playoff race is now down to only a mathematical possibi
Head coach Thoams Brdaric will be aware that anything less than a win against the Blasters will mean that his team will have to rely on the other contenders slipping up in the final three games
Despite just one win in the last four matches, Kerala Blasters FC is well-placed to reach the playoffs but the Serbian cautioned his team not to take their position on the table for granted.