Bengaluru FC picked up their fourth win in a row when they won 3 – 1 against Chennaiyin FC in Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai on Tuesday. Boithang Haokip, Miku and Sunil Chhetri scored for the Blues, while custodian Gurpreet Singh Sandhu saved a penalty that prevented the hosts from equalising. The win takes Bengaluru seven points clear at the top of the league table and speaking to indiansuperleague.com post the match were two of their most influential players on the pitch - Gurpreet and winger Udanta Singh. Here are the excerpts.

An intense match. Talk us through it.

Gurpreet: Everyone knows that it is a rivalry. Unfortunately, we had lost the game at home. But this was our opportunity to get one over Chennai at home. It was a crucial win for us because we had to keep the momentum going from the last game and getting three points was on our minds. So, it is very important to be in the position we are at right now. All the credit to the players. They played their hearts out.

Udanta: It was a good match. We scored fast and then Chennaiyin turned on their game. Unfortunately, they got a red card. So, we got an advantage over ten men. We played with good intensity and tempo. It is a derby, so there is more physicality and intensity. That’s why we call it a South Indian derby.

You spoke about the reverse fixture. Does that make this victory a little sweeter?

Gurpreet: For sure! From the moment that game at home against Chennai finished, we were always looking forward to this game. We wanted to get a win away in Chennai. They have amazing fans and we share a great rivalry. It’s good for Indian football and good for the Hero ISL.

Gurpreet, just talk us through that penalty save.

Gurpreet: To be honest, I wanted Jeje (Lalpekhlua) to make up his mind rather than me making a decision for him. Plus, (Sunil) Chhetri helped me. He told me that this is going to happen. So, I waited until Jeje chose his side. And all credit to teammates like Chhetri who helps players. It was a crucial moment for us because they could have equalised.

Tell us what that save meant in the context of the match and momentum of the game.

Gurpreet: I think it was very important to not concede the goal. The three points are very important to us. The penalty save meant a lot and provided us with the points.

Udanta, you got an assist right at the end. Tell us about it.

Udanta: Yes, I could have got another assist, but unfortunately Sunil (Chhetri) missed that one. But I got one at the end, so am really happy.

Can you say that you are safely through to the semis?

Gurpreet: I still won’t say that. Still a lot of games left and catching up is there for the other teams. We have played more games and we have to take one game at a time and make sure we are winning.

Udanta: Not yet. The league is not yet finished, so we just hope to keep going like this.

How important is it to have a momentum going into a game like this?

Gurpreet: I think the momentum is good. But, Chennaiyin were in a comfortable position, to be honest. They had a good amount of days. We are playing after three days. So, it’s hectic. For sure the momentum is good, but the schedule is tight. It’s much worse for the team suffering through the schedule.

How has the support of the West Block Blues been?

Udanta: They are fantastic, home game or away game. All credit goes to our fans.