Bengaluru booked their second successive Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) final appearance with a thrilling 3-0 victory over NorthEast United FC in the second leg of their semi-final encounter at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on Monday. Three second half goals from Miku, Dimas Delgado and Sunil Chhetri ensured the Blues overturn a 2-1 first leg deficit against a depleted NorthEast side.

At the post-match press conference, Bengaluru head coach Carles Cuadrat shared his thoughts on the enthralling encounter. "I think that we did the job from the first minute. We were patient with the ball and we were trying to score. I think it was the typical second leg semi-final where they wanted to punish you in the counter-attack. I am very happy for the players, they did a wonderful job. I am very happy for the supporters," he proudly said.

Talking about his tenure as Bengaluru head coach since taking over the reins at the beginning of the campaign, Cuadrat said, "I am happy because it is a big challenge. I am happy that the club gave me this opportunity. I think that we have been competing well all year. The last few results were not good. I was trying to keep my players fit. We missed Erik (Paartalu), but the rest of the players that have been on the pitch have been doing a good job."

Sunday’s final presents a second opportunity for Bengaluru to clinch the Hero ISL trophy after faltering in the final step last time around. Talking about their preparations for the tie, Cuadrat stated, "All the finals are special. There is a lot of tension. We are going to stick to our plan and be ready physically and mentally. In football, a lot of things happen that change the game. Today our plan worked really well."

From the NorthEast camp, head coach Eelco Schattorie was present to take questions from the media. The Dutchman was disappointed with the final result but declared how proud he was of his players for their performances throughout the campaign. "First of all, congratulations to Bengaluru. Our season has been a memorable one. We only lost four times. That means we are doing something great. There were a lot of games where we played some good football. In today’s game, we lost two key players. First half, Bengaluru could have scored, they had some good chances. In the second half, we lost Federico Gallego. He broke his leg, which is terrible. But overall, I think we can be very proud," he said.

When asked about the difference between the two sides on the night, Schattorie said, "Miku made the difference. The first goal was an organisational mistake. We did not play at all and I know the reasons why. If you don’t keep the ball you will keep dropping back. The second goal came from the counter and the third goal I think was offside. But the difference is quality and that is very simple."

Click here to read the match report.