Bengaluru FC began their Indian Super League 2026-27 campaign with a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Sporting Club Delhi (SC Delhi) at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday. Defender Menno Koch scored the decisive goal in the 89th minute to secure all three points for the hosts. Bengaluru FC started aggressively and put the visitors under pressure with their high pressing and quick attacks down the wings. Ryan Williams and Ashique Kuruniyan used their pace to trouble the SC Delhi defence and create scoring opportunities. Their attacking approach produced the opening goal in the 22nd minute. Debutant Borja Martínez received a pass from Williams and fired a left-footed shot from outside the penalty area. His effort found the bottom-left corner and gave Bengaluru FC an early 1-0 lead. However, SC Delhi responded quickly and restored parity just four minutes later. Young midfielder Hnamte helped create the equalising opportunity, allowing Rodriguinho to finish from close range with his right foot in the 26th minute. The visitors continued to attack and turned the game around in the 32nd minute. Juan Pena used his pace to break into the penalty area before sending a dangerous cross into the box. Bengaluru FC defender Menno Koch accidentally redirected the ball into his own net, handing SC Delhi a 2-1 lead. SC Delhi carried their advantage into half-time, leaving the hosts with work to do in the second half.

Borja Martínez Scores Second Goal to Bring Bengaluru FC Level

Bengaluru FC increased their attacking pressure after the break as they searched for an equaliser. Their efforts finally paid off in the 75th minute when Martínez scored his second goal of the match. The Spanish forward produced another composed left-footed finish from the left side of the penalty area. Mihailo Perovic provided the assist, and Martínez guided the ball into the centre of the goal to make it 2-2. The equaliser gave Bengaluru FC renewed confidence as they pushed forward in search of a winner. The hosts continued to create chances and refused to settle for a draw. Head coach's decision to introduce young midfielder Soham Varshneya also proved influential. The substitute brought fresh energy to Bengaluru FC's attack and helped the team maintain pressure on the SC Delhi defence.

Menno Koch Redeems Himself With 89th-Minute Winner

Bengaluru FC completed their comeback in the 89th minute through Koch, who recovered from his first-half own goal to become the match-winner. Varshneya delivered a cross into the penalty area, where Koch rose above the defenders and headed the ball into the net. His late effort put Bengaluru FC ahead 3-2 and sparked celebrations among the home supporters. The goal marked a dramatic turnaround for the defender, whose earlier own goal had helped SC Delhi take the lead. This time, however, Koch found the net at the right end to give his team a winning start to the new season.

Bengaluru FC Secure Three Points in Dramatic ISL Opener

SC Delhi showed attacking quality and determination throughout the contest. The visitors responded well to Bengaluru FC's opening goal, took the lead before half-time and remained competitive until the closing stages. However, Bengaluru FC's persistence proved decisive. Martínez's brace brought the hosts back into the match, while Koch's late header completed the comeback. The 3-2 victory gives Bengaluru FC three valuable points at the start of their ISL 2026-27 campaign. Meanwhile, SC Delhi will look to build on their competitive performance despite leaving Bengaluru without a point.