Spain claimed a hard-fought 4-3 win over India in their FIH Hockey Pro League 2024/25 (Women) clash at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday. 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 Captain Lucia Jimenez (52’) scored for Spain.
The match saw debuts for Sakshi Rana and Jyoti Singh, with Sakshi marking the occasion by scoring a goal.
The opening quarter was evenly contested, with India’s early chance coming through Rutaja’s pass to Sharmila Devi, whose shot went just wide. Spain struggled to break past India’s defensive press but had a close opportunity in the ninth minute when Florencia Amundson’s shot was well saved by goalkeeper Savita.
The game opened up in the second quarter, with three goals in quick succession. India struck first in the 19th minute as Deepika’s reverse hit from the left was expertly deflected in by Baljeet for her maiden senior international goal. However, Spain responded swiftly, equalizing in the 21st minute when Rogoski’s reverse shot found the net. Four minutes later, Spain took the lead as Petchame converted a penalty corner. Jimenez had another penalty corner chance just before halftime but sent her shot too high.
India dominated the third quarter, reclaiming their lead. In the 38th minute, debutant Sakshi Rana won possession near the circle and slotted home the equalizer. In the final minute of the quarter, Deepika made a brilliant solo run down the left, dribbled past defenders, and set up Rutaja, who finished with composure to put India 3-2 ahead.
Spain fought back strongly in the fourth quarter. They won a penalty corner in the 49th minute, and after an initial block, Petchame latched onto the loose ball to score her second goal. Three minutes later, Captain Jimenez struck a precise backhand shot into the bottom right corner, giving Spain a decisive 4-3 lead.
India removed their goalkeeper in the final four minutes to press for an equalizer, but Spain held firm to secure a thrilling victory.