NorthEast United FC head coach Juan Pedro Benali commended his players' performance as they secured a 2-1 victory over Punjab FC in the opening fixture of matchweek 9 in the Indian Super League (ISL) at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on Saturday.

The Highlanders have scored first in each of their last 12 games in the league and Guillermo Fernandez continued that streak when he broke the deadlock, capitalising on Alaaeddine Ajaraie's defense splitting through ball. Benali's men doubled their lead within three minutes courtesy Nestor Albiach's left-footed acrobatic finish.

Match Report: Punjab FC 1-2 NorthEast United FC

Despite the Shers pulling one goal back in the dying minutes of the second half, the ten-man NorthEast United FC registered their fourth win in the ongoing season.

"I only want to score one more goal than the opponent. I don't care. Yes, we have lost points from winning positions, but we have also won a lot of points," Benali said in the post-match press conference, sharing his thoughts on getting another narrow victory.

"Apart from the Mohun Bagan SG game and the Kerala Blasters FC game, it's been normal for us. Other teams are also strong. We don't give away points; they win the points," he continued.

The Highlanders conceeded a red card at the stroke of half time, leaving the visitors with a numerical disadvantage. Dinesh Singh received his second yellow card of the game as he pulled Leon Augustine down from behind.

Speaking in context, the Spanish head coach addressed,

"A red card is a red card. You need to change your mentality. We had to be defensively stronger and focused and just keep the work we were doing."

"It was a shame that they scored against us in the end, but we have three points against a very good team," he further shared on conceeding a late second-half goal.

NorthEast United FC demonstrated their defensive resilience as they fought hard throughout the final half to climb to the third spot.

While quizzed about how he guided his team to stop the Punjab FC side with ten men, Benali remarked,

"We just corrected the position of the team and changed the position of the players. It was difficult for the first five minutes, but then it became easier."

"Punjab FC were only trying to take it wide and cross. We defended the crosses much better. We were very strong defensively. I am proud of the players," he signed off.