FC Pune City finally opened their win column at home with a resolute 2-1 victory against Atletico de Kolkata thanks to goals from Eduardo Ferreira and Anibal Zurdo. Iain Hume reduced the deficit for the visitors but it was not enough to hold off a first away loss for ATK. Habas, who had been Kolkata’s manager for the first couple of season had the final laugh as he won against his former team after a lot of talk before the game about the manager lining up against the team that made him so famous in India.
The joy of victory was dampened by an injury suffered by Eduardo Ferreira as he had to be taken to the hospital after getting receiving a heavy blow to his face. On his present condition, Habas revealed, “He received a dash close to his eye but he is fine and is back with the team after a checkup at the hospital. He is a strong and a crazy guy and have complete faith in him to play the next game for us. Eduardo is a fantastic player as he showed his worth to this team tonight.”
After finally winning their first home game, Habas said that it is a good thing for the fans and players but the important thing is to go on a winning run to build some sort of momentum. The Stallions surged to the sixth spot with a win over Kolkata and still have a chance of reaching their first ever semifinals in ISL. Habas reflected on the win as he said, “The players knew that this was the last chance to have a crack of reaching the top four and they did give their all tonight.”
FC Pune City played a physical game which was termed as aggressive by his counterpart, Jose Molina. Habas replied, “It was an intense game and my playing style is an intense one. We are in a building phase but today these boys showed that they can play in my way. We had too much pressure on our shoulders after a disappointing run and that tension was relieved after Ferreira's goal.”
Habas thanked his players for an inspired performance but was also disappointed over the decision to give a penalty away to ATK. He said, “I don't think at all it was a penalty. I have not seen a penalty given away of this sort in ISL so why tonight? These type of decisions should be avoided.” FC Pune City will be ecstatic after the win and their squad will be further strengthened for the next game with the returning midfielder, Eugeneson Lyngdoh who was so far missing due to being in action in the AFC Cup with Bengaluru FC.
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