I-League 2019: Real Kashmir hold East Bengal to a 1-1 draw in Kalyani

East Bengal drew 1-1 in their inaugural I-League game with Real Kashmir at the Kalyani Stadium on Wednesday. East Bengal conceded against the run of play through Krizo. The home side equalised later in the second half through Espada to share points.

East Bengal began the game on a very positive note. They had the lion’s share of possession from the first minute itself. Real Kashmir decided to sit back and defend. The Red and Golds managed to create their first chance in the 5th minute. Jaime Colado had a feeble shot on goal. The home side got a number of set-pieces to their advantage but could take none courtesy the sturdy defence of Real Kashmir led by Aaron Katebe and Loveday Okechukwu. Pintu Mahata and Juan Mera swung in several crosses in from both the wings but to no avail.

Real Kashmir scored against the run of play through Krizo in the 33rd minute. A sweet strike outside the box to take the lead. East Bengal kept piling on the pressure in the remaining minutes of the first half.

The Red and Golds continued their onslaught in the second half as well. Samad Ali Mallick and Abhijit Sarkar were brought in a bid to cater to the strikers in the second half. The game continued in a similar fashion as the first half with East Bengal having a number of shots at goal but none of them was finished.

Juan Mera and Jaime Colado were seen combining brilliantly which split open the Real Kashmir defence number of times. East Bengal finally managed to score in a predictable fashion in the 77th minute. Juan Mera Gonzalez got away from his marker found Espada who was complacent throughout the game, flick it on for the goal.

East Bengal continued to pile on the pressure on the opposition but Real Kashmir somehow with their extreme defensive approach held on to 1-1 to end the game. East Bengal now travel to Ludhiana to face Minerva Punjab on 7 December. Real Kashmir host Gokulam Kerala in Srinagar on 12 December.