Spain Edges India 4-3 in Thrilling FIH Pro League Clash at Kalinga Stadium

Bhubaneswar: In a high-intensity encounter at the FIH Hockey Pro League 2024-25 (Women), Spain clinched a 4-3 victory over India at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar, on Tuesday. The closely fought match saw both teams exchanging leads before Spain sealed the win with a late goal from Captain Lucia Jimenez.

Baljeet Kaur (19’), Sakshi Rana (38’), and Rutaja Dadaso Pisal (45’) found the net for India, while Estel Petchame (25’, 49’), Sofia Rogoski (21’), and Lucia Jimenez (52’) scored for Spain. The match also marked a special moment for Sakshi Rana and Jyoti Singh, who made their senior international debuts, with Rana scoring on her first appearance.

The game started on an even note, with India nearly taking an early lead in the first quarter when Rutaja Pisal set up Sharmila Devi, but her attempt went just wide. Spain’s offensive efforts were countered by India’s disciplined defensive press. In the ninth minute, India earned their first penalty corner, but the chance was wasted as Sushila Chanu failed to control the ball. Spain, too, had a golden opportunity late in the quarter, but Savita made a brilliant save to deny Florencia Amundson.

The second quarter saw an explosion of goals. Baljeet Kaur gave India the lead in the 19th minute, skillfully deflecting Deepika’s reverse-hit pass into the goal. However, Spain struck back almost immediately, with Sofia Rogoski (21′) leveling the score after slipping a powerful shot past Savita. Moments later, Spain earned a penalty corner, which Estel Petchame (25’) successfully converted, putting the visitors ahead. Before halftime, Spain had another penalty corner opportunity, but Jimenez’s effort went off target.

India bounced back strongly in the third quarter. Sakshi Rana (38’) made an immediate impact on her debut, intercepting the ball from Jimenez near the circle before firing home the equalizer. In the final minute of the quarter, Deepika dazzled with a solo run down the left, dribbling past defenders and setting up Rutaja Pisal (45’), who confidently restored India’s lead at 3-2.

The final quarter saw Spain turn the game around. They applied early pressure and won a penalty corner in the 49th minute, where Petchame capitalized on a rebound to score her second goal, making it 3-3. Three minutes later, Lucia Jimenez (52’) fired a precise backhand shot into the bottom right corner, handing Spain the decisive lead.

In a last-ditch effort, India removed their goalkeeper in the final four minutes to push for an equalizer. Despite their aggressive play, Spain maintained their defensive shape and held on for a hard-fought 4-3 win.

All FIH Pro League 2024-25 matches are being streamed live on Jio Hotstar and broadcast on Star Sports Select 2.

With this result, Spain secured crucial points in the tournament, while India will look to bounce back in their upcoming matches.