ISL 2026-27: Bengaluru FC stun SC Delhi with dramatic 3-2 comeback

Bengaluru FC pull off a comeback against SC Delhi in the MG Indian Super League opener.

Bengaluru, October 10: Bengaluru FC began their 2026-27 MG Indian Super League (ISL) campaign with a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory over Sporting Club Delhi (SC Delhi) at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday, with Menno Koch scoring an 89th-minute winner.

The Blue struck first in the 22nd minute, courtesy of Borja Martínez, to whom, SC Delhi retaliated by getting 2 goals within 6 minutes to go 2-1 up before the end of the first half. Delhi would maintain their lead until the 75th minute, when Borja Martínez scored his & Bengaluru’s second on the night.

The Blues rounded of their comeback in the 89th minute during a corner taken by Varshney, which lead to Menno Koch scoring his first goal in the ISL on his debut.

A dramatic first half.

Bengaluru FC started on the front foot, pressing high and using the pace of their wide players, Ryan Williams and Ashique Kuruniyan, to trouble the SC Delhi defence. Their attacking intent paid off in the 22nd minute when debutant Borja Martínez opened the scoring with a left-footed strike from outside the box, finding the bottom-left corner after being set up by Williams.

SC Delhi responded almost immediately, refusing to let the early setback disrupt their momentum. Young midfielder Hnamte played a key role in the equaliser, creating the opportunity for Rodriguinho to score with a right-footed finish from close range in the 26th minute. The forward continued his impressive scoring form to bring SC Delhi level.

The visitors then took the lead in the 32nd minute. Juan Pena used his pace to break into the box before delivering a dangerous cross that Bengaluru FC defender Menno Koch inadvertently turned into his own net, giving SC Delhi a 2-1 advantage heading into the break.

Second Half

Bengaluru FC eventually found their breakthrough in the 75th minute, with Martínez scoring his second goal of the evening. The Spaniard produced another composed left-footed finish from the left side of the box, directing the ball into the center of the goal after being assisted by Mihailo Perovic to make it 2-2.

Buoyed by the equalizer, Bengaluru FC continued to push for all three points. The introduction of young midfielder Soham Varshneya proved influential, with the substitute injecting fresh energy into the attack and creating further opportunities for the hosts.

The decisive moment arrived in the 89th minute when Varshney delivered a cross into the box, finding Koch, who rose to head the ball home and complete Bengaluru FC’s comeback. The goal marked a moment of redemption for the debutant defender, who had earlier scored an own goal in the first half.

While SC Delhi will take positives from a competitive performance and their ability to challenge the hosts throughout the contest, Bengaluru FC’s persistence proved decisive as they secured all three points in a dramatic season opener.

Upcoming matches

Bengaluru FC will face their Southern rivals Chennaiyin FC on 17th October in the 2nd match-week of the 2026-27 MG ISL. The match will be played at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru.

SC Delhi will lock horns against Mohun Bagan Super Giant on 16th October at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi. The match is scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM IST.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.