We have to fight to make it to the Final- Bengaluru FC Head Coach Albert Roca

The Spaniard spoke after his side earned a gritty 1-1 draw away in Malaysia…

Bengaluru FC drew 1-1 against Johor Darul Tazim FC in the AFC Cup semi-final first leg in Malaysia yesterday. The Indian champions scored an important away goal after falling behind early in the second half. Speaking after the game manager Albert Roca was visibly pleased with his side’s gritty performance. “We knew that Johor have very good strikers and we had reinforced our defense to not let them be comfortable during the game. A few individual mistakes allowed them to take control of the game and score. But we did it. At half time, we adjusted a little bit and I think we did quite well to come away with the result we deserved.” The Spanish tactician also adapted his team’s shape and style to counter Johor’s attacking prowess and he was happy with his side’s flexibility to adapt to the new approach. “We had only one week to change the system after the quarterfinal second leg. I am really proud of the players because it’s not easy to teach a new philosophy, a new system, strategies or tactics. Their response has given me the confidence to work towards reaching the Final.” Eugeneson Lyngdoh scored the vital equaliser and Roca was all praise for the dynamic forward. “It was a decisive goal. After going 1-0 down, to come away with a draw is always difficult. Eugene had a chance to take the shot and he scored the goal,” he said [KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS]The Indian side are now firm favourites with the away goal in the bag and a home game to come. What’s more, the Malaysians will also be missing two of their key frontman in Juan Lucero and Jorge Diaz, who will both be suspended.