Bengaluru FC entered the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18 final in their debut season by defeating a spirited FC Pune City side 3-1 in the second leg of the first semi-final at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on Sunday. The Stallions were undone by Sunil Chhetri's magic, as his hat-trick took the game away from the visitors who only had Jonatan Lucca’s goal as a consolation. After the final whistle, indiansuperleague.com caught up with the Blues’ skipper Chhetri, their custodian Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and young winger Udanta Singh for their views on the result and more. Here are the excerpts.

How does it feel to qualify for the Hero ISL final?

Chhetri: It feels great, man. We worked really hard for this, the whole team (did). We are now one step closer to the trophy. We just want to make sure that we recover well and be ready on the 17th.

Gurpreet: It feels incredible. The boys have given everything on the pitch in every single game that we have played and this is the result. The job hasn’t finished yet. We have one more game to go. So, we are looking forward to the 17th.

Your thoughts on Chhetri’s hat-trick?

Gurpreet: He’s a legend forever for both the club and the country. I envy him and I learn a lot from him. All I want to do is play with him and learn as much as I can.

Udanta: Yes, I am speechless. Sunil Chhetri is my idol and I have always looked up to him. I am so happy that he scored a hat-trick and we’ll see what happens in the final.

What do you make of Pune’s performance on the night?

Chhetri: They’re a very good side. They are one of the best sides in the Hero ISL. It was so difficult. Not only are they good attacking wise, they have some brilliant individual players and are also very good at the back. Rafa (Rafael Lopez) is one of the best defenders I’ve played against in the Hero ISL. It wasn’t easy at all.

Udanta: Of course, they are a perfect team from the back, midfield and the strikers. They have perfect strikers and both of them are good. We hurt them and we scored well and though we conceded, we kept working hard and made it to the final.

Sunil, take us through the Panenka you scored.

It was just planning. I know Vishal (Kaith) very well and Vishal knows me very well. We train for penalties in the national team. He knows exactly where I go. That’s the reason I chipped. There is no other motive. I just wanted to score a goal. There was no way I was taking anything lightly. It was just because he knows which side I would go, that’s why I chipped the ball.

Gurpreet, was there any pressure to play at home after the first leg?

No to be honest. If we have fans like this behind us, it’s very very easy for us to get in the game and put pressure on the other side. So, all credit to the fans and the players who made it effortless.

Udanta, are you happy with your performance?

For me, it was a chance to show my ability. My coach keeps encouraging me off the field in practice and even my teammates. So, I just keep working hard and give my best.

Any words for the fans?

Chhetri: They’re the best. They’re my family. Nothing less than that.

Udanta: They’ll come and back us up in the final as well. They’re always backing us.