FOOTBALL | Bengaluru FC bests a stubborn SC Delhi in an entertaining ISL opener
Bengaluru FC defeated SC Delhi 3-2 in the opening match of the 2026-27 Indian Super League season. The match was decided in the final minutes by a header from Menno Koch, who had previously scored an own goal.
Why it matters
The ISL is a major sporting event in India, and this match marks the start of the new football season.
In a thoroughly entertaining Indian Super League (ISL) 2026-27 opener, Bengaluru FC (BFC) overcame a stubborn SC Delhi 3-2 at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium here on Saturday.
BFC’s relentless attacking thrust, which yielded 22 attempts on goal, eventually wore down the visitor.
The breakthrough, however, came only in the dying minutes, when Menno Koch rose to head home the winner and send the 10,600-odd crowd into a frenzy. It was a moment of redemption for the Dutch defender, who had earlier conceded an own goal to put SC Delhi 2-1 ahead.
BFC had taken a 1-0 lead through Spanish forward Borja Martinez, who marked his ISL debut with a left-footed finish past SC Delhi goalkeeper Nora Fernandes in the 22nd minute.
The visitor restored parity through Rodriguinho, who latched on to a perfectly weighted through ball from Lalrinliana Hnamte.
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