ISL returns with a Bengaluru comeback, a Churchill debut win and a late NorthEast winner

The Indian Super League is back in its full home-and-away shape, and its opening weekend did not lack drama. Bengaluru FC came from behind to beat Sporting Club Delhi 3-2 on Saturday, with defender Menno Koch scoring at both ends. On Sunday, newcomers Churchill Brothers won their first ISL match, beating Mumbai City 2-1 at Fatorda, and on Monday night NorthEast United snatched a 1-0 win over Mohun Bagan Super Giant in stoppage time.

Koch’s night in Bengaluru

At the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, debutant Borja Martinez put Bengaluru ahead in the 22nd minute with a left-footed strike from outside the box, set up by Ryan Williams. Sporting Club Delhi hit back within four minutes through Rodriguinho, and in the 32nd minute Koch turned Juan Pena’s cross into his own net. Delhi, coached by Tomasz Tchorz, led 2-1 at half-time.

Martinez equalised in the 75th minute from Mihailo Perovic’s pass, his second goal on debut. With a minute of normal time left, Koch rose to head in a cross from substitute Soham Varshneya and win it. Sunil Chhetri stayed on the bench throughout.

Churchill Brothers arrive

Churchill Brothers, who have replaced Jamshedpur FC in this season’s league, needed 57 minutes to score their first ISL goal. Substitute Gaurav Bora headed in Anil Gaonkar’s cross after a short corner. “It’s for the badge, it’s for the people!” Bora said of the goal.

Sebastian Gutierrez made it 2-0 in the 86th minute from Stendley Fernandes’ pass. Sergio Llamas pulled one back for Mumbai City from the penalty spot in stoppage time, but the Goan side held on.

Kerala win in Pune, Goa salvage a point

Kerala Blasters started with a 2-0 win over Inter Kashi in Pune on Sunday. Captain Vibin Mohanan scored first-time in the 18th minute after a cut-back from Korou Singh, and Andre Green added the second in stoppage time. At the other end, Kerala goalkeeper Arsh Shaikh kept the clean sheet with two saves from Manvir Singh.

Head coach Ashley Westwood was pleased but not carried away. “Happy with the result obviously, 3 points and a clean sheet. Although maybe we didn’t deserve a clean sheet,” he said. “We’ll be stronger next week and improve.”

On Saturday night FC Goa came from behind to draw 1-1 with Chennaiyin FC at Fatorda. Irfan Yadwad put Chennaiyin ahead in the 64th minute, and Chiki headed the equaliser 11 minutes later from a free kick won by Udanta Singh, who also hit the crossbar.

ISL 2026-27, opening weekend

• 3-2Bengaluru FC v Sporting Club Delhi, 10 Oct
• 1-1FC Goa v Chennaiyin FC, 10 Oct
• 0-2Inter Kashi v Kerala Blasters, 11 Oct
• 2-1Churchill Brothers v Mumbai City, 11 Oct
• 1-0NorthEast United v Mohun Bagan SG, 12 Oct

A full season again

Last season was cut to a single round of 13 matches per team, played from February to May, with no playoffs. This time 13 clubs play each other home and away, the ISL Cup playoffs are back, and 163 matches are scheduled through to May 2027.

A late sting in Guwahati

The weekend closed on Monday night with the biggest upset so far. NorthEast United beat Mohun Bagan Super Giant 1-0 at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati, and the goal came in the second minute of stoppage time. Jithin M.S., sent on at the start of the second half, struck from close range to win it.

Mohun Bagan had the better of the chances. Lee Erwin headed against the woodwork in the ninth minute, NorthEast goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh made important saves, and substitute Suhail Bhat hit the frame of the goal late on from a Liston Colaco cross. Mohun Bagan head coach Panos Dilmperis did not hide his frustration.

We are very sad and disappointed with the result. We apologise to our fans because we wanted to start the season with a win, and we believe we deserved it.

What’s next

Punjab FC play Odisha FC in Delhi on Wednesday, and East Bengal begin their season against Churchill Brothers at Fatorda on 18 October.