Bengaluru FC winger Udanta Singh, who played an instrumental role in the team’s 4-2 win over NorthEast United FC on Saturday, feels that his team dominated the second half of the match after an even first.

The winger provided two assists to steer the Blues to a win in the opening match of their Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2021-22 campaign and was declared the Hero of the Match.

“Oh yeah, the first one (was competitive), the first half, they scored, we scored, and they scored again. So, it was very competitive, the first-half. So after the third goal, we controlled the game, and in the second half we dominated the game. So we are looking forward to the next one against Odisha,” said Udanta, after the win over NorthEast United FC.

The Highlanders’ defence was all over the pace and it was a matter of concern for coach Khalid Jamil, who puts great emphasis on defence.

“Defensively. We didn't work good today. Marking was not up to the mark. So they also played well,” said Jamil, during the post-match interview.

Jamil who went with an all-Indian defence felt the team need to regroup ahead of their next game against Kerala Blasters.

“We will take a decision on who to play in defence tomorrow. We have three days to prepare for the next game. We will regroup and try and rectify our mistakes,” he added.

Marco Pezzaiuoli registered a win in his first ever match as a Bengaluru FC manager in the ISL. In spite of the scoreline, the head coach feels that it was not a perfect game, but still gives them a lot of confidence.

“Of course, every time it’s difficult when you start without big games before. And when you win the first game, every time it’s good for confidence. And, of course it was not the perfect game, but still it gives confidence,” stated the manager.

Bengaluru FC will be up against Odisha FC in their next match, on November 25, at the Tilak Maidan, in Vasco. Meanwhile, the Highlanders will face Kerala Blasters FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, in Margao, on November 25.