Football
ISL 2026-27: Bengaluru FC begins the season with a 3-2 win in a thriller
The home team came from behind to beat SC Delhi thanks to a brace from debutant Borja Martinez of Spain.
Borja Martinez began his ISL career with a brace on debut for Bengaluru FC. (Photo Credits: ISL)
Bengaluru FC began their Indian Super League campaign with a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory over Sporting Club Delhi here on Saturday.
In the league’s 2026-27 season opener, Menno Koch scored the winner for BFC in the 89th minute at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium.
The home side started the match on the front foot, pressing high and using the pace of their wide players, Ryan Williams and Ashique Kuruniyan, to trouble the Delhi defence.
Their attacking intent paid off in the 22nd minute when debutant Borja Martinez opened the scoring with a left-footed strike from outside the box, finding the bottom-left corner after being set up by Williams.
Delhi responded almost immediately. Young midfielder Hnamte played a key role in the equaliser.
He created 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 defender Koch inadvertently turned into his own net, giving Delhi a 2-1 advantage heading into the break.
Bengaluru eventually found the breakthrough in the 75th minute. Martinez scored his second goal of the match.
The Spaniard produced another composed left-footed finish from the left side of the box, directing the ball into the centre of the net after being assisted by Mihailo Perovic to make it 2-2.
Buoyed by the equaliser, Bengaluru 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 Varshneya delivered a cross into the box, finding Koch, who rose to head the ball home and complete Bengaluru’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’s persistence proved decisive as they secured all three points in a dramatic match.