The Indian men's team suffered a 2-3 defeat at the hands of Spain in their second match of the FIH Pro League Hockey in Bhubaneswar on Sunday.
Eduard de Ignacio-Simo and Marc Miralles gave Spain a 2-0 lead but India drew parity through captain Harmanpreet Singh and Abhishek. Marc Reyne scored a late winner for the away side.
The Indians made a positive start but Spain gradually took control of the match and looked to score. India, who finished third in the last FIH Pro League season, were far from making any noteworthy inroads with the Spanish defence staying compact and hardly giving the hosts anything.
After a goalless first quarter, Spain took the lead. Goalkeeper P R Sreejesh thwarted a penalty corner but couldn't clear the ball away from his danger zone. Ignacio-Simo capitalised on it and found the back of the net to put Spain ahead. Spain added to India's problems when Marc Miralles' drive from a penalty corner proved too good for Sreejesh.
Trailing by two goals, the Indian team showed more intent and and it paid dividends when captain Harmanpreet Singh scored with a typically powerful drag flick from a penalty corner. After a goalless third quarter, India showed purpose in the final quarter and were rewarded for their endeavour when Abhishek put them back on level terms.
However, Reyne helped Spain regain the lead with his strike just four minutes from the final hooter.
India will next take on New Zealand on November 4.