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Bengaluru FC’s victory was defined by a late turnaround, with defender Menno Koch netting the decisive goal in the 89th minute. The hosts initially took the lead in the 22nd minute through debutant Borja Martinez, who fired a precise left-footed strike into the bottom corner. However, Sporting Club Delhi responded quickly, with Rodriguinho equalising in the 26th minute after an assist from Hnamte. The visitors then took a 2-1 lead into the half-time break after a cross from Juan Pena was deflected into the Bengaluru net by Koch.
Late Heroics and Tactical Battles Define Opening Day
The second half saw Bengaluru intensify their search for an equaliser, which finally arrived in the 75th minute when Martinez secured his brace with a clinical finish from the left side of the box, assisted by Mihailo Perovic. With the momentum firmly behind them, the hosts pressed for a winner. The breakthrough arrived in the 89th minute when substitute Soham Varshneya delivered a cross that found Koch, who redeemed his earlier own goal by heading home the match-winner.
In the day's second fixture, FC Goa and Chennaiyin FC engaged in a tactical contest that remained scoreless until the hour mark. Chennaiyin broke the deadlock in the 64th minute when Irfan Yadwad converted a right-footed effort into the far corner. Despite pressure from the visitors, Goa mounted a spirited response, hitting the woodwork twice through a curling effort from Ramon and a strike from Udanta Singh.
Goa’s persistence was rewarded in the 75th minute when Chiki headed home from a free kick to level the scores. Both sides pushed for a late winner in the final minutes, with Chiki narrowly missing another opportunity and Ramon heading over the bar, but the match ultimately ended in a draw. The opening day’s action proved a significant success for the league, with viewership figures on YouTube surpassing 10 million by late evening.
