ISL 2026-27 — Koch’s redemption guides Bengaluru FC to a 3-2 win in topsy-turvy opener

Menno Koch celebrates scoring the winning goal for Bengaluru FC against Sporting Club Delhi | Photo Credit: K. Murali Kumar

In a thoroughly entertaining Indian Super League (ISL) 2026-27 opener, Bengaluru FC (BFC) overcame a stubborn Sporting Club Delhi (SCD) 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 visiting side.

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 SCD 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.

SCD then went ahead in the 32nd minute, when Colombian Juan Pena surged past his marker, Chinglensana Singh, before sending the ball across goal. Koch attempted to intervene with a weak outstretched leg but only succeeded in diverting it into his own net.

BFC continued to press, and Martinez eventually brought the home side level with a clinical finish. The striker ran on to a pinpoint pass from Mihailo Perovic before unleashing another fierce left-footed strike in the 75th minute.

With the scores level, BFC poured forward in search of a winner. Ryan Williams and Perovic squandered several opportunities, while Fernandes produced a series of wonderful saves. The 28-year-old Goan’s best moment came in the 85th minute, when he stretched his right hand out to deny Williams from point-blank range.

The result:

Bengaluru FC 3 (Borja Martinez 22, 75, Menno Koch 89) bt Sporting Club Delhi 2 (Rodriguinho 26, Menno Koch-og 32).