League leaders Bengaluru FC will be back in action for the second half of the Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) 2018-19, when they travel to the home of their closest rivals Mumbai City FC on Sunday. The Blues had a stellar first half to the season as they remained unbeaten, collecting 27 points from 11 matches. A pivotal figure behind this success has been Albert Serran. The Spanish defender has formed a solid partnership with Juanan in the centre of defence.

Ahead of the all-important tie, indiansuperleague.com caught up with the defender to uncover his thoughts on the match. Here are the excerpts:

Thoughts on the break.

Yeah, I think we came back three weeks ago but also in the break we had trainings in our homes, so we came here with good fitness and after that, I think we’ve been working very hard just to get through the last period of the league in the best condition.

Thoughts on the match against Mumbai City FC.

Yeah, it’s very important for us because now is the second leg of the league and they showed that they finish very well in the first round. So I think it’s very important to get this feeling again, to feel strong and I think it’s going to be a very exciting match.

Do you think Bengaluru FC can remain unbeaten?

Yeah, I think, but it’s going to be difficult. Every match is going to be more and more difficult. But I think that the only thing we have to do is what we’ve been doing in the first round, working like that and just to keep this team compact and strong.

How much of an impact will Miku’s return bring to the side?

Yeah, Miku is now with us, he’s working hard right now just to get fit again and I think he’s going to give a good impact. He will give us some goals and some strength up front.   

Thoughts on the threat that Mumbai City FC possesses.

I think Mumbai City FC, like I said before, is doing well. They have a good balanced team. They didn’t start so well in the beginning but I think now they are one of the best teams in the league. For us, it’s going to be a good challenge also.

Read the Match Preview here.