Simon Grayson celebrates with a Bengaluru FC participant the thrilling semifinal win over Mumbai City FC on the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on March 12, 2023.
| Photo Credit: Okay. MURALI KUMAR
Sunday will rank among the many absolute best evenings in Bengaluru FC’s historical past. Not fancied firstly of the two-legged semifinal in opposition to Mumbai City FC, Simon Grayson’s males battled exhausting over 210 minutes and somewhat extra earlier than nicking the tie in a nerve-wracking penalty shoot-out.
In a means, it was additionally consultant of the aspect’s 2022-23 season. Not spoken of among the many title challengers at first, and down within the dumps two-thirds into it, solely a miraculous run of wins resurrected the marketing campaign and drove the membership into the playoffs. Through this, it was BFC’s resilience and perception that stood out.
“We have come a long way…what we have achieved so far this season from where we were has taken a lot of mental strength and togetherness,” Grayson stated on Monday. “It’s a fantastic achievement and now we have to go to Goa [final] and try and finish the job.”
It was to BFC’s credit score that it didn’t wilt below MCFC’s relentless strain. The outcome might have been very completely different if Greg Stewart had transformed the early penalty on the Sree Kanteerava Stadium and Jorge Pereyra Diaz had not fluffed two golden alternatives in extra-time.
“We had to keep believing that a chance would come,” Grayson stated. “We said to the players at half-time, and even after 90 minutes going into extra-time, that they will get chances, because we have some good players and we had the legs (fitness).”
Crucial save
“The penalty could have rocked us but we told ourselves ‘if anything goes against us, we will remain mentally strong’. The save gave us a lift. Gurpreet [Singh Sandhu] is a big frame but you expect Greg Stewart to score more often than not. That save gave us an extra lift,” the Englishman added.
Along with Gurpreet — who additionally saved Mehtab Singh’s spot-kick within the shoot-out — creator Javi Hernandez’s was an distinctive presence. Grayson, although, paid tribute to the entire squad.
“It would be unfair to pick out just one player. We had to be at our best against a strong Mumbai City and the players gave everything. The supporters have not had such nights for a long time. I am so proud of everyone.”
Source: www.thehindu.com
