Jamshedpur FC midfielder Javier Hernandez hailed his team’s fighting spirit and effort as they overcame Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the first leg Indian Super League (ISL) semi-final at the JRD Tata Sports Complex on Thursday.

Their 2-1 victory came as a testament to the resilience and commitment shown by the team throughout the season, with the Men of Steel taking a crucial lead going into the reverse leg in Kolkata, which will take place on Monday.

The match unfolded with an electrifying atmosphere as the home crowd rallied behind the Men of Steel. Jamshedpur FC took the lead with a well-executed goal with Javier Siverio finding the back of the net after capitalizing on a long throw-in from Muhammed Uvais, cleverly nodded towards him by Stephen Eze. This early goal set the tone, showcasing Jamshedpur FC’s intent to dominate the game.

However, the momentum shifted when Mohun Bagan Super Giant’s Jason Cummings levelled the score with a spectacular direct free-kick just before half-time. The visitors, buoyed by their equalizer, seemed poised to take control of the match. Yet, Jamshedpur FC displayed remarkable discipline in their defensive game, countering MBSG's possession-heavy approach with strategic gameplay and tactical patience.

As the second half progressed, the tension grew, with both teams vying for a critical advantage. Jamshedpur FC’s determination paid off in stoppage time when Ritwik Kumar Das orchestrated a swift counter-attack, racing down the pitch before squaring the ball to Hernandez. The experienced midfielder, exhibiting both composure and skill, slotted the ball into the net, sparking wild celebrations among the home supporters and restoring Jamshedpur FC’s lead.

The match outcome marked an important victory for Jamshedpur FC, positioning them favourably heading into the second leg of the semi-finals.

Star midfielder Javier Hernandez was quick to praise the collective effort after the match, reflecting the team's determination and the support from their passionate fanbase.

"Yeah, as I said before, I think the whole team played with their heart from the first minute. That was the one (reason why we won). At the last minute, we pushed.. We were still believing (that we could win),” he said in an interview to indiansuperleague.com.

“Like every game we play here, with the help of this amazing crowd who have been cheering for us from the first minute, all season as well, so I think it's well deserved," Hernandez remarked.

Head coach Khalid Jamil also echoed the same sentiments in the post-match press conference, saying: “The players used their presence of mind, and the experience of the senior players came in handy once again. Collectively, everyone played according to the plan. Our strategy was to counterattack while also focusing on direct play, with special attention to set-piece situations.”

The upcoming away leg against MBSG promises to be another intense battle, but given their recent performance, Jamshedpur FC has every reason to be optimistic about their chances to secure a place in the ISL final.