ISL 2026-27: Dramatic Openers and Rising Stars Shine
Bengaluru FC clinches a late win, Churchill Brothers stun Mumbai City, and four young stars shine in the ISL 2026-27 opening weekend.
The ISL 2026-27 season has officially burst onto the scene, delivering a weekend packed with high-octane drama, last-minute twists, and a heavy dose of fearless youth. From late-game heroics to historic debuts, the opening fixtures have set a blistering pace for the campaign ahead.
Bengaluru FC Clinch Last-Minute Thriller
In one of the most intense encounters of the weekend, Bengaluru FC staged a remarkable comeback at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium. Facing off against SC Delhi, the Blues found themselves trailing before fighting back to secure a 3-2 victory. The decisive moment arrived in the 89th minute when Menno Koch connected with a header to seal the win and ignite the home crowd.
Churchill Brothers Make History
The weekend also witnessed a massive upset as debutants Churchill Brothers claimed a significant 2-1 victory over Mumbai City FC. The match will be etched in the club's history books as Gaurav Bora found the back of the net, scoring the club's first-ever goal in the Indian Super League.
Match Results at a Glance
- Bengaluru FC 3-2 SC Delhi: A late comeback victory for the hosts.
- Kerala Blasters FC 2-0 Inter Kashi: A composed performance in Pune.
- FC Goa 1-1 Chennaiyin FC: A hard-fought draw in Fatorda.
- Churchill Brothers 2-1 Mumbai City FC: A historic win for the newcomers.
Four Young Talents to Watch
While the veteran players provided the experience, the ISL 2026-27 opening weekend belonged to the youngsters. Four players, in particular, stood out for their ability to influence games and dictate play.
The Rising Stars
- Lalrinliana Hnamte (SC Delhi): Despite his team's loss, the 23-year-old midfielder was the heartbeat of Delhi's play. He played the full 90 minutes, created four distinct chances, and provided the assist for Rodriguinho's goal in the 26th minute.
- Soham Varshneya (Bengaluru FC): The 22-year-old midfielder proved his worth in clutch moments. His pinpoint cross in the 89th minute led directly to Menno Koch's winning header, showcasing his ability to deliver under pressure.
- Vibin Mohanan (Kerala Blasters FC): Mohanan enjoyed a dream start, opening the scoring for the Blasters in the 18th minute. His all-round performance included creating two additional chances during their 2-0 victory.
- Tekcham Abhishek Singh (Mohun Bagan SG): The 21-year-old defender showed immense composure and offensive intent, creating four chances for his side and proving to be a vital asset in the defensive line.
As the season progresses, these four names—Hnamte, Varshneya, Mohanan, and Singh—are expected to be at the center of much discussion, having already left a lasting impression on the league's opening act.