ISL 2020-21 | Disappointed not to win against Hyderabad FC after enjoying numerical advantage, reveals Anotnio Lopez Habas

A win for ATK-Mohun Bagan against Hyderabad FC would have ensured that they finish at the top of the league table this season and also qualify for the AFC Champions League the following season. The ‘Mariners’ were handed an advantage in the fifth minute itself, with Hyderabad FC defender shown the marching orders as early as in the fifth minute of the game. In spite of enjoying numerical superiority, Antonio Lopez Habas’s men were held to a 2-2 draw, which according to their Spanish manager was a disappointment for them.

"Today we wanted to get the three points and win the league. Maybe a little disappointed with the performance of the team, as we had the numerical superiority. But we have to recover the team and continue to play well in the final match against Mumbai City,” said Antonio Lopez Habas, after the match.

Aridane Santana drew first blood in the 8th minute for the ‘Nizams’, while Manvir Singh restored parity in the 57th minute. Having shown intent with 10-men, Hyderbad took the lead once again in the 74th minute via a Roland Alberg strike, only to see Pritam Kotal net Bagan’s second goal in the dying minutes of the game. 

The two-time Indian Super League winning coach wants his team to rectify the mistakes from the game and prepare for their next tie against Mumbai City FC, this weekend. A draw against the ‘Islanders’ would be enough for them to secure the pole position and gain entry into the premier continental event.

"It is difficult all the time. Also, Mumbai City still have to play against Odisha. In football and in this league anything can happen. We have to prepare our team, recover the injured players and not think about this game anymore. We have to prepare ourselves and rectify the mistakes from this game," explained the Spaniard.