FC Goa and Chennaiyin FC shared the spoils after an entertaining 1-1 draw at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda (South Goa). Earlier Bengaluru FC began their campaign with a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory over Sporting Club Delhi (SC Delhi) at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday; MG Indian Super League (ISL) 2026-27 season kicked off with a lot of promise and bringing huge relief to Indian football lovers, who had to endure an uncertain future last season where a truncated ISL was played out with a lingering feeling of academic obligation attached to the below-par action.
Gouramangi Singh’s first full season as head coach of FC Goa commenced with the Gaurs giving a good account of themselves. Although the home team fell behind to Irfan Yadwad’s long-range goal in the 63rd minute, the Manipuri gaffer will be happy that his side created decent chances, moved the ball well and defended as an unit. The only concern might be that the Gaurs’ finishing left a lot to be desired and so did their approach to setpieces.
FC Goa’s Spanish forward Chiki came up with a fine header to equalise on 75 minutes, while his compatriot J Ortiz was unlucky to find the upright after evading the diving Md Nawaz in the rival goal.
On the other hand, Goan-born Clifford Miranda’s boys also put up a decent shift and had more ball possession than the hosts. Chennaiyin however, had less number of shots on goal.
Earlier in Bengaluru, debutant Borja Martínez opened the scoring with a left-footed strike from outside the box, finding the bottom-left corner after being set up by Williams. SC Delhi responded almost immediately, refusing to let the early setback disrupt their momentum. Young midfielder Hnamte played a key role in the equaliser, creating the opportunity for Rodriguinho to score with a right-footed finish from close range in the 26th minute.
SC Delhi took the lead in the 32nd minute. Juan Pena used his pace to break into the box before delivering a dangerous cross that Bengaluru FC defender Menno Koch inadvertently turned into his own net, giving SC Delhi a 2-1 advantage heading into the break.
Bengaluru FC eventually found their breakthrough in the 75th minute, with Martínez scoring his second goal of the evening. The Spaniard produced another composed left-footed finish from the left side of the box, directing the ball into the centre of the goal after being assisted by Mihailo Perovic to make it 2-2.
Buoyed by the equaliser, Bengaluru FC continued to push for all three points. The introduction of young midfielder Soham Varshneya proved influential, with the substitute injecting fresh energy into the attack and creating further opportunities for the hosts.
The decisive moment arrived in the 89th minute when Varshney delivered a cross into the box, finding Koch, who rose to head the ball home and complete Bengaluru FC’s comeback. The goal marked a moment of redemption for the debutant defender, who had earlier scored an own goal in the first half.
