The new Indian Super League season could hardly have started with more drama. Bengaluru FC came from a goal down to beat Sporting Club Delhi 3-2 in the opening match of ISL 2026-27 at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Saturday, October 10, with defender Menno Koch scoring the 89th-minute winner barely an hour after putting the ball into his own net.
Spanish midfielder Borja Martinez scored twice on his league debut for the Blues, while Brazilian forward Rodriguinho was on target for a young, energetic Delhi side that led at half-time.
How the Match Unfolded
First Half: Delhi Strike Back Fast
Bengaluru, under head coach Pep Muñoz, took the lead in the 22nd minute when Ryan Williams set up Borja Martinez. The home crowd barely had time to settle. Four minutes later Rodriguinho, who scored seven goals in Delhi's run to the Durand Cup semi-finals, equalised from a Lalrinliana Hnamte assist.
Things got worse for the hosts in the 32nd minute when new signing Menno Koch turned the ball into his own net, sending Tomasz Tchórz's Delhi into the break 2-1 up.
Second Half: Borja and Koch Turn It Around
Bengaluru pushed hard after the restart and Delhi's discipline started to fray, with three of their players booked. Borja Martinez struck again in the 75th minute to make it 2-2. Then, with a draw looking likely, Koch rose to the occasion at the right end, scoring in the 89th minute to complete a remarkable personal turnaround and hand Bengaluru all three points.
Match Summary
| Fixture | ISL 2026-27, Match 1 |
| Result | Bengaluru FC 3-2 Sporting Club Delhi |
| Half-time | Bengaluru FC 1-2 Sporting Club Delhi |
| Venue | Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru |
| Bengaluru scorers | Borja Martinez (22', 75'), Menno Koch (89') |
| Delhi scorers | Rodriguinho (26'), Menno Koch own goal (32') |
| Bookings | Mohammed Azhar, David Ndayishimiye, Mohammad Manoj (all SC Delhi) |
Talking Points
- Overseas signings deliver: Bengaluru rebuilt their foreign contingent over the summer with Koch, Sandro Embalo, Borja Martinez, Manuel de Iriondo and Mihailo Perovic. Two of them decided the opener.
- Delhi will take heart: Tchórz has built a squad with an average age of about 24, centred on young Indian players and a high-pressing style. They led a seasoned Bengaluru side for most of the evening.
- Head-to-head: The last meeting between the two clubs ended 2-0 to Bengaluru, but Delhi showed they have closed the gap.
A New-Look ISL Season
The opener marked the start of the league's 13th season, and it is a very different competition from last year. The ISL has returned to a full home-and-away format, with 13 clubs each playing 24 league matches. Phase 1 runs from October 10, 2026 to January 17, 2027 with 78 matches, and the top four at the end of the league stage will qualify for the ISL Cup playoffs, while the table-toppers lift the League Winners' Shield.
There are changes in the line-up too. Churchill Brothers have taken over Jamshedpur FC's place, while Diamond Harbour FC are not taking part after failing to clear the participation fee. East Bengal are the defending champions and begin their title defence against Churchill Brothers on October 18 because of AFC commitments.
ISL 2026-27 at a Glance
| Teams | 13 |
| League matches per team | 24 |
| Phase 1 | October 10, 2026 – January 17, 2027 (78 matches) |
| Defending champions | East Bengal FC |
| Kolkata Derby | East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan SG, November 29, VYBK |
| First ISL Goa Derby | Churchill Brothers vs FC Goa, December 13, Fatorda |
| Where to watch | Free on the official ISL YouTube channel; SonyLIV; Sony Sports Ten 2 on TV |
What It Means for Fans
For supporters, the biggest change is access. Every ISL match this season streams free on the league's official YouTube channel with English and Hindi commentary, while Sony Sports Ten 2 carries TV coverage in several languages. Most fixtures are on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 5 pm and 7:30 pm IST, which the league says was based on fan feedback.
What's Next
- Tonight: FC Goa host Chennaiyin FC at Fatorda at 7:30 pm IST, with both teams under new head coaches, Gouramangi Singh and Clifford Miranda.
- October 11: Inter Kashi vs Kerala Blasters (5 pm) and Churchill Brothers vs Mumbai City FC (7:30 pm).
- October 12: NorthEast United vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant in Guwahati (7:30 pm).
- Bengaluru's next game: vs Chennaiyin FC at home on October 17. SC Delhi's next game: vs Mohun Bagan SG in Delhi on October 16.
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