Atlético de Kolkata boss Antonio López Habas rejected suggestions of his side being lucky to book a place in the semi-finals of the Hero Indian Super League, insisting they played very well to hold FC Goa in a 1-1 draw.
Edgar Marcelino put Goa ahead in the 27th minute, but his strike was cancelled out by Fikru Teferra, who converted from a penalty in the 68th minute.
Although many believed that Kolkata were very fortunate to get a penalty and draw against Goa, Habas said that luck wasn't responsible for their progress to the knock-out stages, insisting that his side put up a very good performance against Goa.
"We don't think it was luck. It was a genuine penalty," said the Spaniard, according to ISL's official website. "We are very happy with the result. We have gotten into the semifinals, but we played like we were playing a final or semifinal!"
"It was very important that we get a point a point today. We improved a lot in different phases during the game and created many chances to score more goals," he added.
Although Kolkata will again be playing against FC Goa in the semi-finals, Habas expects those two games (home and away) to be much more difficult.
"We are not expecting the same kind of game as today. It will be a much tougher game on Sunday because we are playing at the semi-final level. But it will not be easy for any opponent to beat us," added Habas.
Meanwhile, FC Goa boss Zico said he is not disappointed by his side's draw against Atletico de Kolkata even though this result cost them a top place in the ISL table.
"I am not disappointed," said the Brazilian legend. "We have qualified for the semifinals; that is more important. I hope to get to first place at the end and win the final."
Although the 61-year-old Brazilian refused to comment on the penalty decision, he feels that Bruno Pinheiro did not deserve a red card, and he was only sent off due to the Kolkata players putting pressure on the referee.
"I didn't see, so I can't say. The referee is there to do the necessary. It's up to them," stated the Brazilian. "The red card was given to Bruno after the Kolkata team went and told the referee."
