Semi-Final Second Leg, JDT v Pahang - What They Said!

Eloy Alonso, Pahang Rangers

Q.Congratulations on reaching the final. What does the victory mean to you and the team, especially after such a tough battle that went all the way into the extra time?

I'm very happy. One team built to be champions, the big favourites, and we fight face to face against them. We make our game, never let the heads down, always up, up, up, always fighting, always go for them. (0:50) I'm really, really, really, really happy because in the first half, with five fouls in the first five minutes, we continue fighting, fighting, fighting. In the second half, the same. We try to go for the game with power play, and finally, in extra time, we have a chance to attack four against three, but finally, not make a goal in this moment. Finally, in the last two minutes, we played really, really, really well, and we deserve this win, this victory. (1:23)

Q.Both teams fought until the very end, making this a highly intense encounter. What was the key factor that helped Pahang secure qualification?

Yes, for us, we know that they have an amazing team, and for us, we know that if we want to go to the final, it's defending very well, and today, again, defending very well the different situations that they prepared during the game. Defending very well, three against one, when they play with people, defending very well, one against one in both sides, so for me, the key is this, improve in the last months, in the last games, in defence, and we are in a very good level, and for me, it's one of the keys in this game, and in this round.

Joao Almeida - JDT

Q.It was a very intense semi-final that went all the way into extra time. What is your immediate reaction to the result and how difficult was the match for your team?

The match was very difficult. It was like we were fighting against one difficulty, always more. Mahdi's injury last week was a big problem for us. Today, Awal, tough injury. We are always fighting against something more.

But our team today, I only have to say thank you to my players. They were heroes. They fought until the last second with everything they could.

In the game, Pang also did the best he could. Unfortunately, it didn't go our way, but my players today, their effort, their attitude together, pushing each other together. I'm very proud of my team today.

Q. You fought until the very end, but now you need to secure a qualification for the final. What do you think made the difference between the two teams tonight?

The difference is you get two red cards. One doesn't exist.

One of our best players is out because of a red card. Then we lose tough before injury. The difference is this. When you need to have an extra power, we were trying to go from each other, the power from each other, but at the same time, everything was going against us, but that was spirit and we fight a lot, so, as I say, I must be proud of my players today.