NorthEast United FC head coach Juan Pedro Benali believes a draw would have been a fair result after their 3-2 loss against Mohun Bagan Super Giant at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan Stadium, Kolkata in the Indian Super League on Monday.

The Highlanders took a lead on two occasions but the home team bounced back. Bemammer scored the opening goal in the fourth minute but Biswas scored the equalizer for the hosts.

Ajaraie once again gave a 2-1 lead to his team in the 24th minute but second-half goals from Bose and Jason Cummings helped the Mariners in bagging all three points.

“Sometimes football is unfair. For example, you know, as I say all the time, you can play against 11 players, but not against the elements. And sometimes it’s small details (that) change the game,” Benali stated in the post-match press conference.

Despite the loss, the Spaniard is proud of his players as they are surely taking the right steps in the league.

“But I’m really happy, and proud of my players because we showed that we’re growing,” said Benali.

Meanwhile, winger Jithin MS played on the right wing whereas Ajaraie played on the left. Benali said not only Jithin but all the players gave their best against the tough opponent.

“You know, not only Jithin MS, but all the players played hard today.”

“We showed that we have a good team, we have good players. Everybody did their job (today). But sometimes it’s not enough to do your job (get the desired result),” he said.

While MBSG took seven shots on target, the visitors took six attempts on goal but ended on the wrong side of the result.

“I think if the game had finished as a draw, (it) would have been a great result for both teams. That would’ve been a fair result. But sometimes I repeat, football is unfair,” Benali commented.

NorthEast United FC will next face Kerala Blasters FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati on Sunday.