Hyderabad FC head Coach Manuel Marquez was pleased with the way his team executed their game plan as they halted Bengaluru FC’s winning streak and posted a 2-1 win in Match 88 of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) at the Athletic Stadium in Bambolim, Goa on Friday.

Sunil Chhetri became the all-time top scorer in the Hero ISL with his 50th goal. However, his goal acted as mere consolation for the Blues, with Hyderabad FC securing victories through first-half goals from Javier Siviero (15') and Joao Victor (30').

Match Report: Sunil Chhetri’s 50th Hero ISL goal goes in vain as Hyderabad FC trump Bengaluru FC

The win takes leaders Hyderabad FC to 27 points from 16 games, four points clear of Jamshedpur FC. Bengaluru FC remain third with 23 points from 16 outings.

Marquez addressed the media after the game. Here are some excerpts from his press conference:

You lost the last match. Are you happy with today’s performance?

Yes, because today we played against a very strong side. As Bengaluru FC were unbeaten for nine games and they were too fighting for the top four.  But we suffered a defeat in our last match, so a win after a defeat means a lot.

You managed to keep Bengaluru FC forwards quiet, as they only managed to score one shot on target.  Is the kind of defensive performance that you demand from the team?

This game was similar to the first leg match against Bengaluru FC. In the first half, we played very well. With good combination and played to our style. In the second half, they put four players in attack. But our defenders, center backs, and all the team, in general, were very good today in terms of defense. 

Would you have liked to concede the late goal?

Yes, we spoke in the half time about this. The problem is, when you are winning 2-0, then you have to continue attacking, because if the other team scores one goal then you have to change your tactics. But the instructions at halftime were that we have to score the third goal because if we managed to score the third goal, the game would have been finished. I am very happy and all the credit to my players because it’s a very difficult win.