Bengaluru FC edged past NorthEast United FC courtesy of a 2 – 1 scoreline at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on Friday in the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18. Spanish defender Juanan and skipper Sunil Chhetri scored on either side of Marcinho’s equaliser from the spot, to bag all three points and ensure the Blues’ climbed to the summit of the league table.

Addressing the media during the post-match press conference was the league debutant’s head coach Albert Roca. The Spaniard admitted that the encounter was a tough one. “The game was tough and hard for us because they (NorthEast) were managing the game quite well,” remarked Roca. “For some time, it was a difficult job to overcome the situations. But then in the second half, we had a talk to be a little calmer and it was just a question of going ahead and trying to score again.”

The 55-year-old did not shy away from praising the Highlanders for their performance, acknowledging the fact that they were a very good team. “We knew how difficult it would be to win today,” he stated. “Even if they (NorthEast) might not qualify for the playoffs, they have really positive dynamics. They are a very physical team with good defenders, and very strong and quick midfielders. They also have (Halicharan) Narzary and Len (Seiminlen Doungel) in good shape. So, they are a team who do not deserve to be where they are. They had a bad start to the season, but I think this team will be much better up until the end of the season.”

Before concluding, Roca also highlighted the importance of picking up three points from this fixture. “It’s very important to follow other teams who have won, like Chennaiyin FC and FC Pune City,” he inferred. “So, we are in the same stage more or less, just one point ahead. But, it was very important to eliminate one team which will get some points in the next few games because they are doing things well. It’s a very important victory and we have to just look forward now and keep working because nothing is done. There are six games left and we need to win at least three to be in the last four. So, let’s go for that.”