I-League 2018-19: Real Kashmir 1-2 East Bengal – Esqueda, Santos keep East Bengal in title race, at least for a day

#2 Despite one man down, Real Kashmir put up a valiant display

Real Kashmir did well to thwart East Bengal in the 2nd half

It was a different ‘home’ game for the Real Kashmir. Instead of a packed house amid freezing cold in the TRC Stadium in Srinagar, Kashmir were forced to play in Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi, the home of Indian Super League team Delhi Dynamos. Though there were few people voicing for them from the stands, it was never enough to boost their confidence.

Real Kashmir were forced to take the back seat against the incessant attacks from the visitors. East Bengal were in firm control of the match and soon they got the lead. Real Kashmir, which conceded the least number of goals amongst all teams, conceded twice in the first half and on both occasions, the defenders will be blamed. They were clearly out of their position and let the goals in too easily.

Their misery compounded when Abednego Tetteh got the red card for a completely unnecessary challenge on Johnny Acosta. As Gnohere Krizo was on the bench, it was all up to Mason Robertson to reduce the margin.

Down to two goals and ten men, the task was never easy for them but somehow Real Kashmir took the field with a different approach. Instead of holding the ball, they played some quick passes to make attacks. Mason reached the goalmouth twice and could’ve scored from a horrendous mistake by Kassim Aidara had he not missed the target.

Real Kashmir ultimately reduced the margin from the spot but the equaliser remained elusive.