Real Kashmir FC lost their Hero I-League match 0-2 against Mohun Bagan in Srinagar on Sunday. The stadium at the Tourist Reception Centre was jam-packed as spectators, braving the biting cold, poured in to watch the match which was played on synthetic turf.
The match began on a slow note, but soon picked up pace much to the delight of the spectators. The visitors displayed superior skills and ball control, but Real Kashmir fans cheered every time Mohun Bagan's moves were defended by the hosts.
Mohun Bagan were more disciplined as the home team was left fending off their aggressive moves in the first half. Some Real Kashmir players looked rusty while others resorted to rough tackling. On a few occasions, however, the hosts put up a good performance like the header by Robertson on a high pass by one of the players in the flanker. For a moment, the ball seemed to be headed for the net, but a split second defensive jump pushed the ball over the bar.
The second half saw Mohun Bagan continuing to dominate the game, and in the 27th minute, a skillful move by right half pierced the defences of Real Kashmir allowing Joseba Beitia to push the ball past the goal-keeper. Ten minutes later, Mohun Bagan attacked again from the right, as Nongdamba Naorem kicked the ball into the net, stunning the spectators into silence.
Post this, Real Kashmir was left seemed dispirited. Real Kashmir made a few menacing moves, putting the pressure on the visitors, and earned several free kicks and corners, but most of their attacks missed the target. Minutes before the match came to an end, Real Kashmir summoned all their courage and skills to pierce the defences of their opponents from Bengal who managed to fend off all their attacks.
