ISL 2017/18: "It still feels unreal", says Chennaiyin winger Nelson after title triumph

Dutch winger Gregory Nelson left his mark on Chennaiyin FC’s ISL final victory over Bengaluru FC with two great assists. It was his delivery that set up both of Mailson Alves’ goals. Even outside of the assists, he had a fantastic game, stretching the Bengaluru defence throughout the game as Chennaiyin went on to win 3-2. It was his initial burst that set up the third goal even.

After the match, speaking to Sportskeeda, Nelson said: “It feels great. We are the champions, it feels amazing.”

Chennaiyin’s plans paid off brilliantly for them as they targeted scoring for set-pieces and on the counter-attack with Bengaluru playing a back-three.

“You can say that, yes. We won, so I think it did”, said a beaming Nelson about the effectiveness of their game plan.

Despite going down a goal early, inside the opening 10 minutes, Chennaiyin bounced back to stun the home side.

“Yes, of course, to come back from a goal down in a final is very difficult”, Nelson said. “But we never put our heads down, we kept believing that we can come back and Mailson’s goals turned the game around.”

The crafty winger revealed though that while it was definitely a great feeling to be a champion, it was yet to seep in fully.

“No, it still feels unreal. We are champions now, but maybe it will take a few days for it to sink in”, he said smiling before departing.