Bengaluru FC are through to the next round of the AFC Cup after Sunil Chhetri's sumptuous free kick helped them overcome Maziya at Sree Kanteevara Stadium on Wednesday.
Speaking at the post match press conference, coach Albert Roca said his side tried to win the ball and create chances in a must win game for the Blues.
"We knew that we had to win. Maziya did well and they had a plan. We tried to win the ball because we knew a good player like Sunil can score when chances are created."
The Federation Cup winning coach reserved special praise for his skipper, who scored the the only goal of the game.
"To score goals we have to take risks. It was difficult but we had Sunil, who is the star of the side. He knows all the best players, which is very important."
Although Roca declined to offer his thoughts on the tackle by Sandesh Jhingan, he admitted that his side were lucky in the game.
Maziya coach launches scathing attack on Sandesh Jhingan
"Yes we were lucky in this game. But the important thing is to work hard. Sometimes the lucky moments never arrive. We have to find luck. The players deserve the success and I'm happy for the club, players and the supporters."
Albert Roca was more than glad that his oppositon on Wednesday failed to take their chances but praised the work done by their coach.
"Their coach has a done a good job on the team. It wasn't wasy. They are not a team that gives you a lot of chances. They did not concede against Mohun Bagan [in the away game]. Fortunately for us, they didn't take their chances."
Bengaluru FC has secured progression to the next round of AFC Cup and will discover who their opponents are in a cup draw to be held on June 6 in Kuala Lampur.
