Bengaluru FC notched up a 2-0 victory over defending champions ATK in Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Saturday. An unfortunate own goal from Jordi Montel handed the Blues an early lead before Miku struck with his 10^th goal of the season to seal the win.

Bengaluru now go four points clear at the top of the table, with chances of reaching the playoffs almost confirmed. The league debutants also had defender Rahul Bheke sent off halfway into the second half after picking up two yellow cards, despite which, they scored their second and held on for three points. ATK had their fair share of chances too, but the Blues defence stood strong.

Speaking to the media during the post-match press conference was Bengaluru’s head coach Albert Roca, who was pleased with Miku’s strike, but was also not carried-away. “The goal was really good for him (Miku),” stated the Spaniard. “It helps increase his confidence. But at the same time, he has to improve a lot of things yet.”

The 55-year-old, however, admitted that his team was slightly lucky to pick up three points. “For sure, you are always lucky when you win a difficult game which you haven’t played too well,” he inferred. “But it’s a win; you cannot complain too much. But it’s my job to be aware of the games where you are not playing too well, but you realise ways to get ahead. In big games, we would always have to play well to get results; not always would we be so lucky.”

Roca also disagreed with the referee’s decision to send Bheke off for a second bookable offence. “About the red card, I think he (Bheke) touched the ball,” he opined. “But then ATK were unlucky with the own goal and we were unlucky with the refereeing decisions.” Before signing off, he stated, “We have to look forward and keep working. This is the last message.”