We love to play in front of packed stadiums, says NorthEast United coach Juan Pedro Benali ahead of Durand Cup semis

Juan Pedro Benali also mentioned the essence of playing in front of their fans for players.

Shillong Lajong will welcome NorthEast United FC to Shillong as both teams will fight out in a ‘NorthEast Derby’ for a place in the finals of the 133rd IndianOil Durand Cup semi-final which will be played here at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

The match which was originally scheduled to take place in Kolkata was rescheduled to Shillong, due to the request of the supporters.

NorthEast United overcame a valiant Indian Army side in the quarterfinals 2-0 at Kokrajhar while Shillong Lajong stunned Kolkata giants Emami East Bengal in front of their home fans 2-1 to book their places in the first semi-finals.

The stadium has been packed to the brim for all the matches in the tournament and the semi-finals tomorrow will also be played in front of a packed stadium with fans of both sides supporting the teams.

Shillong Lajong FC have been playing some excellent football throughout the tournament topping their group and then dumping out East Bengal in the quarterfinals, playing some tactically brilliant football. They defended well and then troubled the East Bengal in counter attacks.

The productivity from set pieces for the local side have been brilliant as Captain Hardy Nongbri’s deliveries have troubled the opposition differences. Marcos Rudwere Silva has been scoring goals while Phrangki Buam and Everbrightson Sana have been impressive in attack. The defence led by Brazilian Daniel Goncalves have been solid, letting in just two goals in the tournament.

Speaking ahead of the match, Shillong Lajong FC Head Coach, Jose Hevia said, “Tomorrow’s semi-finals is a huge match for the club, the fans of the club and everyone in Meghalaya. We are well prepared for the match and we will be playing to our full capability against a very strong opposition.” “We are excited for tomorrow’s match and we will playing our style of football in front of our loyal fans. NorthEast is a good team and we will have an exciting match against them”, added Shillong Lajong Captain, Harry Nongbri.

On the other hand, NorthEast United have been brilliant in attack scoring 10 goals in the group stages. Jithin M.S, Guillermo Fernandez and Nestor Albiach have been combining well in attack with the able support of Moroccan midfielder Mohammed Ali Bemmamer. Spaniards Guillermo Fernandez and Nestor Albiach did score the match winners in the quarterfinals. The defence of the Highlanders have also been stingy letting in just a solitary goal in the tournament.

“It is going to a great experience for us to be playing in the semi-finals of such a great tournament in front of our fans and also a packed stadium, said NorthEast United Head Coach Juan Pedro Benali before the match. When asked about the pressure of playing in front of away fans, the Spaniard added, “Actually in contrary, we love to play in front of such packed stadiums. It helps the players to lift their spirits and play freely to get a positive result from the game.”

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