Bengaluru, October 10: Bengaluru FC kicked off their 2026-27 MG Indian Super League (ISL) campaign in dramatic fashion, recovering from a first-half deficit to defeat Sporting Club Delhi 3-2 at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Saturday. Defender Menno Koch completed the turnaround with an 89th-minute header after Spanish debutant Borja Martínez scored twice for the hosts.

Bengaluru FC set the tempo early, putting SC Delhi under pressure with their aggressive pressing and attacking runs down the flanks. Their positive start yielded the opening goal in the 22nd minute, when Martínez marked his debut with a fine left-footed effort from outside the penalty area. Ryan Williams provided the assist as the Spaniard found the bottom-left corner.

SC Delhi responded swiftly, restoring parity just four minutes later. Hnamte helped create the opening for Rodriguinho, who finished from close range in the 26th minute to bring the visitors back into the contest.

The visitors then turned the game around in the 32nd minute. Juan Pena burst into the penalty area and sent a dangerous cross into the box, which Koch inadvertently diverted into his own net. The unfortunate touch handed SC Delhi a 2-1 lead, leaving Bengaluru with work to do after the break.

The home side returned with renewed determination but had to wait until the 75th minute to find an equaliser. Martínez stepped up once again, producing a composed left-footed finish from the left side of the box after being set up by Mihailo Perovic. His second goal of the night brought Bengaluru level at 2-2 and set up a tense finish.

With momentum shifting in their favour, Bengaluru continued to press for a winner. Substitute Soham Varshneya added fresh impetus to the attack, making an immediate impact with his movement and delivery in the closing stages.

The decisive breakthrough arrived in the 89th minute. Varshneya sent a cross into the penalty area, where Koch rose above the defence to head the ball into the net and seal a remarkable comeback for the hosts. Having earlier scored an own goal, the defender made amends at the crucial moment to secure all three points.

SC Delhi showed considerable attacking intent and threatened to leave Bengaluru empty-handed, but the hosts’ persistence and late surge ultimately proved decisive.

The result gives Bengaluru FC a winning start to their ISL campaign, with Martínez’s brace and Koch’s late redemption providing the defining moments of an entertaining five-goal encounter.