AIFF Media Team

SRINAGAR: Real Kashmir FC will square off against RoundGlass Punjab FC in a battle between the two sides from northern India in the Hero I-League 2022-23 on Monday, December 12, 2022, at the TRC Stadium in Srinagar.

The Snow Leopards, who are the only team yet to face defeat this season, have emerged as sole leaders at the top of the league standings and a fourth win in succession could see them extend their lead even further. A key characteristic of the hosts has been their incredible fighting spirit, which has seen them come from behind to win their last two games. Their confidence will be sky-high as they prepare for another encounter in front of their passionate fans and in familiar cold temperatures.

For the visitors, the match is a crucial opportunity to get their title challenge back on track. After an impressive three wins and a draw at home to start their campaign, the side from Punjab suffered a demoralizing 0-2 defeat against TRAU in their first match on the road this season. A victory away to the league leaders will certainly spice things up at the top of the table, while a defeat will see them drift already nine points behind the leaders (with one game in hand).

A peek at the head-to-head record between the teams in the league paints an interesting picture, with both sides winning two matches each and sharing the points in three. Real Kashmir came out on top 2-0 in their last meeting.

At the pre-match press conference, Real Kashmir head coach Mehrajuddin Wadoo stated that his side will have to be at their best to get a victory. He said, “We are expecting a real contest. RoundGlass Punjab are very tough opponents and we have to be at our best to defeat them. It will also be our last home game before we start traveling for away matches, so it’s important to get a positive result. Again, we look forward to the vital support from our fans and will make sure we play good football to entertain them.”

Midfielder Wadudu Yakubu said, “We are working hard for the match. We may be top of the table now but the hardest thing is maintaining that position. Playing in these weather conditions is quite challenging but this is our home and what matters most is playing well and winning games.”

RoundGlass Punjab head coach Staikos Vergetis said, “I enjoy football when the stadiums are full of fans. My players will also enjoy it, the same as they do at our home. We have a difficult game in front of us against a very strong team. They have proved how tough they are at home but we come here focused and concentrated. We have worked to prepare ourselves and want to get a good result.”

He also shared an update on the fitness of the team’s top scorer Luka Majcen. He said, “Luka is not in the squad for the game but we have players who can replace him and score goals.”

Goalkeeper Kiran Limbu said, “We are here for the three points and determined to win. We are well prepared and know that winning tomorrow is important in our objective to become champions. Matches in Srinagar always have a wonderful atmosphere and we look forward to an exciting game.”

The match between Real Kashmir FC and RoundGlass Punjab FC will kick off at 2 PM IST, and will be broadcast live on Eurosport and Doordarshan Sports, and streamed live on the Discovery Plus OTT platform.