Menno Koch struck an 89th-minute winner as Bengaluru FC staged a dramatic comeback to defeat Sporting Club Delhi (SC Delhi) 3-2 in the opening match of the 2026-27 Indian Super League (ISL) at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium here on Saturday.
Spanish midfielder Borja Martínez marked his debut with a brace as the hosts recovered from a 2-1 half-time deficit to begin their campaign with three points. Koch, who had inadvertently scored an own goal in the first half, completed his redemption with a decisive header in the closing minutes.
Bengaluru FC began aggressively, pressing high and using the pace of Ryan Williams and Ashique Kuruniyan on the flanks to stretch the visitors' defence. Their early dominance paid off in the 22nd minute when Martínez opened the scoring with a left-footed strike from outside the penalty area.
Williams provided the assist as the Spaniard directed his effort into the bottom-left corner, giving the home side a deserved advantage.
Delhi turn the tables
SC Delhi responded almost immediately, with young midfielder Hnamte playing a crucial role in restoring parity. His attacking movement created an opportunity for Rodriguinho, who finished from close range in the 26th minute to make it 1-1.
The visitors continued to threaten Bengaluru's defence and completed the turnaround just six minutes later. Juan Pena used his pace to break into the penalty area before delivering a dangerous cross that Koch accidentally diverted into his own net.
The own goal handed SC Delhi a 2-1 lead in the 32nd minute, leaving Bengaluru FC trailing at the interval despite having started the contest strongly.
Martínez brings Bengaluru level
Bengaluru FC increased their attacking intensity after the restart, pushing forward in search of an equaliser while SC Delhi attempted to protect their narrow advantage.
The breakthrough eventually arrived in the 75th minute when Martínez scored his second goal of the evening. The Spaniard collected a pass from Mihailo Perovic on the left side of the penalty area and produced another composed left-footed finish to bring the hosts level at 2-2.
The equaliser shifted the momentum decisively in Bengaluru's favour, with the home side pressing for a winner rather than settling for a draw.
The introduction of young midfielder Soham Varshneya provided fresh energy in attack, as Bengaluru created further opportunities against a tiring Delhi defence.
Koch completes redemption
The decisive moment arrived in the 89th minute when Varshneya delivered a cross into the penalty area. Koch rose above the defenders and directed a header into the net, completing Bengaluru FC's remarkable comeback.
The goal was particularly significant for the debutant defender, whose first-half own goal had given SC Delhi the lead. His late intervention ensured that Bengaluru finished on the winning side of an entertaining five-goal contest.
SC Delhi had shown resilience in overturning Bengaluru's early advantage and maintained their lead for much of the match. However, their inability to withstand the hosts' sustained second-half pressure ultimately proved costly.
For Bengaluru FC, the victory provided an encouraging start to the new ISL season, with Martínez's attacking contribution and Koch's late winner highlighting the team's determination to recover from setbacks.
The result also ensured that Bengaluru FC collected all three points from their opening fixture, while SC Delhi were left to reflect on a narrow defeat after coming close to securing a positive result away from home.