Our intention will be to score a goal at Singapore: Bengaluru FC manager Albert Roca

Bengaluru, Sep 15: Bengaluru FC moved a step closer to AFC Cup semi-final after they defeated S-League side Tampines Rovers in the first-leg of the quarter-final at Bengaluru on Wednesday (September 14).

India international striker CK Vineeth scored the all important goal in the 7th minute of the match to seal the fate of the match in Bengaluru FC's favour. [AFC Cup 2016:Bengaluru FC 1-0 Tampines Rovers]

Bengaluru FC travel to Singapore next week to play the second-leg of the match which is scheduled to happen on September 21.

After the match, newly appointed Spanish manager Albert Roca spoke to the club's official website about their performance.

Roca said: "I am satisfied about the result and the performance from my side. The conditions were a little strange with no fans in the stadium as it was our first official game in three and a half months.

"The result could have been better as we created some good opportunities. But in football, you are never happy. There is always room for improvement.

"This game has been a good experience for the players. There are lots of areas for improvement, in defence, in attack, in the transition and we will work on them."

Bengaluru FC had adopted a defensive tactics against the opponents on Wednesday. On that, Roca said: "We knew that Jordan Webb, Pennant and Billy Mehmet were probably their best players so we tried to prevent them from seeing too much of the ball.

"It was about creating superiority in defence and we did that well. It was only in the second half that they were able to create some chances."

On the team's away fixture next week and the team's approach to the match, the Spanish manager said: "We know that Tampines have nothing to lose. They will go all out in Singapore and we must be wary of that.

"I'm sure we will be ready for it and we'll try to get through to the next round. Our intention will be to score a goal, which will increase our chances.

"What I want is a team who is not scared and who plays at the same level that they showed today."

The I-League champions had to play the match in an empty stadium due to unavoidable circumstances. On that the manager expressed disappointment.

He said: "I know that fans have always been a strong point here and I missed them even though I've never been here before.

"I've seen a lot of BFC games on video before and I understand it's a shame. It would have been a nice match for them to be part of but hopefully we can progress and bring them one more game."

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