The Indian Women’s Hockey team registered their first win of the Spain tour as they defeated the hosts 3-2 at the Consejo Superior de Deportes Hockey Stadium on Friday.

The match saw Spain take an early lead through Maria Lopez in the 3rd minute but the visitors fought back as they scored twice in four minutes to take a 2-1 lead. However, Lola Riera continued her fine goal-scoring form for the hosts, equalising in the 58th minute through a penalty corner as the match headed for a draw second consecutive draw. However, India captain Rani Rampal scored a minute later to help India get across the line.

The Indian team started to get into the game in the second quarter as both teams battled for possession in midfield for the majority of the period. The visitors made sure that they defended their lines well, keeping out Spain’s third penalty corner of the match in the 19th minute. World No. 10 India built some attacks towards the closing stages of the quarter and saw Spanish Goalkeeper Melanie Garcia making a fine save in the 25th minute. Another attack by the visitors saw Spain concede a penalty corner which was converted by Gurjit Kaur in the 28th minute.

The Indians then constructed a field goal which was turned into the back of the net by young striker Lalremsiami in the 32nd minute. The two teams will go head-to-head again for the fourth of their five matches on Saturday.