Bengaluru FC Stun SC Delhi with Dramatic 3-2 Comeback in ISL Season Opener

Bengaluru FC began their 2026–27 MG Indian Super League campaign in spectacular fashion, recovering from a first-half deficit to defeat Sporting Club Delhi 3-2 at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Saturday. 

Menno Koch emerged as the unlikely hero, scoring an 89th-minute winner after earlier putting the ball into his own net. Spanish debutant Borja Martínez also made an immediate impact, scoring twice to help the hosts overturn a 2-1 deficit and secure all three points in a dramatic season opener. The result offered Bengaluru an encouraging start under head coach Pep Muñoz, with the team's attacking persistence proving decisive despite defensive lapses that allowed SC Delhi to take control before half-time.

Bengaluru FC started aggressively, pressing high and using the pace of Ryan Williams and Ashique Kuruniyan to stretch the visiting defence. Their willingness to attack the wide areas created early opportunities as the hosts looked to establish control at the Kanteerava Stadium.

The pressure produced its reward in the 22nd minute when Martínez opened the scoring. Receiving a pass from Williams, the Spanish attacker created the space to unleash a left-footed strike from outside the penalty area, finding the bottom-left corner and giving Bengaluru the early advantage. It was an impressive introduction to Indian football for Martínez, whose technical quality and ability to operate in attacking areas were expected to add another dimension to Bengaluru's forward line.

However, the hosts' lead lasted only four minutes. SC Delhi responded quickly through Rodriguinho, who finished from close range in the 26th minute after young midfielder Hnamte helped create the opportunity. The equaliser demonstrated SC Delhi's ability to exploit openings despite Bengaluru's positive start. Rather than retreating after conceding, the visitors continued to attack and found ways to trouble the home defence.

Koch's Own Goal Gives SC Delhi the Lead

SC Delhi completed their turnaround in the 32nd minute, moving ahead through an unfortunate moment for Bengaluru defender Koch. Juan Pena used his pace to break into the penalty area before delivering a dangerous cross. Koch attempted to deal with the delivery but inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, handing SC Delhi a 2-1 lead.

The goal changed the complexion of the contest. Bengaluru had started with attacking intent and taken the lead, but two goals conceded in quick succession left them chasing the game. SC Delhi went into the interval ahead, having demonstrated their ability to respond to pressure and capitalise on defensive uncertainty. For Bengaluru, the priority after the break was to regain their attacking rhythm while avoiding further mistakes at the back.

Bengaluru FC continued to search for an equaliser after the restart, and their persistence finally paid off in the 75th minute. Martínez completed his brace with another composed left-footed finish, this time from the left side of the penalty area. Assisted by Mihailo Perović, the Spaniard directed the ball into the centre of the goal to make it 2-2.

The equaliser was a significant moment for both the player and the team. Martínez had already demonstrated his ability to score from outside the box, and his second goal highlighted his composure in a crowded attacking situation. His performance provided Bengaluru with the cutting edge required to recover from the first-half setback. With the score level and the closing stages approaching, the hosts sensed an opportunity to turn a difficult evening into a winning start to the season.

SC Delhi, meanwhile, faced renewed pressure as Bengaluru pushed forward in search of a decisive third goal.

Varshneya Creates the Moment of Redemption

The decisive contribution came from a substitute. Young midfielder Soham Varshneya brought fresh energy to Bengaluru's attack and helped the hosts maintain their momentum in the closing stages. In the 89th minute, Varshneya delivered a cross into the penalty area, where Koch rose to head the ball home and complete the comeback. For the defender, the goal was a moment of redemption. Having inadvertently scored an own goal in the first half, Koch found the net at the opposite end to give Bengaluru a dramatic late lead.

The timing of the winner left SC Delhi with little opportunity to respond, while Bengaluru secured all three points after a contest that had repeatedly shifted in momentum. Koch's decisive contribution also underlined the unpredictable nature of the match. A defensive error that had threatened to undermine Bengaluru's campaign opener ultimately became part of a comeback story that ended with the defender delivering the winning goal.

The 3-2 victory gives Bengaluru FC a positive start to their 2026–27 ISL campaign, particularly after demonstrating the ability to recover from adversity. Martínez's brace and Varshneya's influence off the bench were important attacking positives, while Koch's late header provided the decisive moment. Nevertheless, the match also highlighted areas requiring attention. Bengaluru's defensive organisation will need to improve after conceding twice in a short first-half spell, including the own goal that put SC Delhi ahead.

For SC Delhi, the defeat will be disappointing after a spirited performance in which they recovered from an early setback and held the advantage at half-time. Their attacking response showed promise, although they were unable to protect their lead in the closing stages.

Ultimately, Bengaluru's persistence proved decisive. Martínez supplied the goals, Varshneya created the winning opportunity and Koch completed a remarkable turnaround. The hosts opened their season with a statement of attacking intent, while the dramatic finish ensured that their first three points of the campaign came with a memorable story of redemption.