Goa: ATK Mohun Bagan will take on NorthEast United FC in the second leg of the Indian Super League semifinal at the Fatorda Stadium on Tuesday (March 9). The first leg between the saw both sides end the game with a 1-1 draw with Highlanders scoring a late equaliser.
The Mariners will be watchful keeping things tight at the back after conceding late in the previous game. Although they haven’t won any of their last three matches, head coach Antonio Lopez Habas will hope that his big guns at the front especially Roy Krishna grab every little opportunity to hurt the opponent.
“There is no pressure. It’s all about a big opportunity and this opportunity wouldn’t come again. We have to give our best and enjoy the semi-finals,” the Spaniard added. “Strategy is to keep calm and keep the intensity and to try to win. It’s more important to play with calmness and to go through to the final.”
NorthEast United are on a fairytale run this season and look forward to making something worth inspiring again. Their hopes have certainly boosted after the result of the first leg. But they will have to play their heart out to deny such a star-stacked ATKMB side. Interim head coach Khalid Jamil believes his side has the potential.
“We have to focus on getting the result as it is a do-or-die game,” stated Jamil. “There is always pressure. I have told the boys to enjoy this pressure. Both teams have to fight for a result because of no away goals, so it is the same for our opponent as well,” added the Highlanders coach.
“We will have to create more scoring opportunities and put them under pressure. One team will have to outscore the other in this one as a draw will create the added load of 30 minutes.
