ATK Mohun Bagan will look for an outright win when they take on NorthEast United FC (NEUFC) in the second leg semi-final clash of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) in Margao on Tuesday.
On Saturday, the teams had shared honours in the first leg when they played out a 1-1 draw.
The second leg match at the Fatorda Stadium will decide whether NEUFC will play their first final or if Antonio Lopez Habas-managed side will make it.
ATK Bagan coach Habas was denied a win in the first leg by a late Idrissa Sylla header. David Williams had given ATK Bagan the lead. The Calcutta outfit had conceded only 15 goals in the league stage, but five of them came in the last three matches. That had cost them the League Winners Shield.
However, Habas is not unduly worried. “There is no pressure,” he said. “It’s all about a big opportunity and this opportunity wouldn’t come again. We have to enjoy now. We have to give our best and enjoy the semi-finals.”
Asked about his approach against Khalid Jamil’s side, who are unbeaten in the last 10 games, Habas said he wanted his players to stay calm. “Our strategy is to stay calm and keep the intensity and of course try to win. It’s more important to be calm and go through to the final,” he said.
ATK Bagan will bank on David Williams and Roy Krishna, who have come good under pressure for the team.
NEUFC, who are unbeaten under Jamil, will be looking to make their first final.
Today’s ISL match
• ATK Mohun Bagan vs NEUFC (Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, 7.30pm)
