Bengaluru, Oct 18: Bengaluru FC take on Malaysian champions Johor Darul Takzim in the second-leg of the AFC Cup semi-final 2016.
The Indian club have a marginal advantage over their opponents as they scored an important away goal in the first-leg. A goalless draw will be good enough to see Bengaluru through to the finals.
Bengaluru FC have roped in veteran Spanish manager Albert Roca this season who replaced Ashley Westwood at the helm of affairs.
Under the tutelage of Roca, who worked as an assistant manager to Frank Rijkaard, Bengaluru FC have faired pretty well so far and are yet to lose a game.
Ahead of the game, Albert Roca addressed the media, where he said: "We know that we have scored against them in Malaysia, which is important. But, our intention is not to sit back and defend.
"We want to go out and try to score more goals because we will not be able to reach the final with a defensive mindset."
When asked about his expectations from this highly anticipated clash, Roca said: "It's a good opportunity for us and for the country.
"We have to be brave again because that's how we got the result in Malaysia. Circumstances will change this time because our supporters will be there, which makes a big difference, but this is still a very difficult game with a very competitive team. We are focused and we will do our best to reach the final."
The club's official website further quoted the Spaniard, "We haven't been scoring too many goals but we are defending well. Balance is everything in football and we are trying to be compact as a side.
"It could be the biggest mistake for us to think that this game will be easier because of their suspensions. If we think that it's going to be easier by even five percent, we are going to commit errors and I have conveyed this even to the players.
"I consider that this is a very important match for Indian because only two teams have reached the semifinals and none have reached the final. The people are realizing that this could be special for Indian football.
"As for me, I try to be calm because I want the team to be calm as well. I do not want them to be overconfident because this is a game of football and there will be more such games in the future. As of now, there is a game tomorrow and we will try to do our best."
OneIndia News