Bengaluru FC launched their Indian Super League (ISL) 2026-27 campaign with a gripping 3-2 comeback victory over Sporting Club Delhi (SC Delhi) at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday, 10 October 2026. Defender Menno Koch headed home the winner in the 89th minute to complete one of the most dramatic season openers in recent ISL memory — and to atone for his own first-half own goal.

How the Goals Fell

Bengaluru FC pressed high from the first whistle, with Ryan Williams and Ashique Kuruniyan stretching the SC Delhi backline. The intent paid off in the 22nd minute when debutant Borja Martínez curled a composed left-footed strike from outside the box into the bottom-left corner after a neat set-up by Williams — a dream start for the Spanish forward.

SC Delhi responded without delay. Young midfielder Hnamte carved open space for Rodriguinho, who finished from close range with his right foot in the 26th minute to level at 1-1. The visitors then edged ahead when Juan Pena burst into the box and delivered a low cross that Koch inadvertently deflected into his own net in the 32nd minute, sending SC Delhi into the break with a 2-1 lead.

Martínez and Varshneya Turn the Tide

The second half saw Bengaluru FC's pressure gradually mount. Martínez pulled the hosts level in the 75th minute — his second of the night — finishing crisply from the left side of the box after a cutback from Mihailo Perovic, restoring parity at 2-2.

Head coach's decision to introduce substitute Soham Varshneya proved pivotal. The young midfielder injected urgency into Bengaluru's attack and, with just a minute to go in normal time, whipped in a precise cross that Koch rose to head powerfully into the net — completing his remarkable personal redemption arc in the 89th minute.

Key Performers and Talking Points

Martínez was the standout individual, registering a brace on his ISL debut and signalling the kind of direct, technically assured play that Bengaluru's attacking game has long demanded. Koch's evening encapsulated the match itself — low point and high point within 57 minutes of each other.

For SC Delhi, the performance offered genuine encouragement despite the defeat. Rodriguinho's clinical finishing and Hnamte's creativity in midfield underlined that the capital side can be competitive at this level. The narrow loss, however, leaves them without a point from the opening round.

What It Means for the Season Ahead

Bengaluru FC have historically set the standard in the ISL, and three points from a difficult opener at home — especially one that required a comeback — will sharpen belief in the squad early. The introduction of Varshneya from the bench also suggests depth options for the long campaign. SC Delhi, making what is understood to be a notable statement of ambition this season, will need to convert competitive performances into results quickly to avoid early pressure in the standings.