Having lost out in the final last season, Bengaluru FC will look to go all the way this time around in the Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL). However, before the Blues can get a shot at redemption, they will need to overcome the hurdle called NorthEast United FC in a two-legged semi-final. The two teams face off for the first leg at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Thursday.

Prior to the match, indiansuperleague.com interviewed Bengaluru defender Rahul Bheke. Here are the excerpts.

What is the strategy to stop NorthEast United FC's attack?

They really are a good side, especially their forwards. Yes, we have trained hard for the past two weeks and we are working on it. They'll be confident as they are playing on their home ground. We are looking forward to the match.

Bengaluru FC had reached the final in the last season. How do you see things pan out this time?

Yes, last season we lost in the final but that's in the past. Right now, we are in the semi-finals and we are looking forward to the match. We have to win this and hopefully, we do so that we can go to our home with an advantage. So, we are looking forward to getting in the final.

How positive are Bengaluru FC ahead of the semi-finals?

Yeah, we are positive because, since the past two weeks, we are training for these two matches as we took some players off from the last match. So, we are working on it and we are looking forward to the match.

Miku is back but Erik Paartalu is injured. Thoughts?

Yes, we will miss Erik Paartalu but we have a new addition to the squad. He also plays well and I am sure he will help us. Yes, Miku is doing really well and he scored a fantastic goal against FC Goa. So, I hope he scores another one and helps our team win the match.

Read the Match Preview here.