Bengaluru FC began their Indian Super League 2025-26 campaign with a composed 2–0 victory over Sporting Club Delhi at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Sunday evening.
Goals from N. Sivasakthi on the stroke of half-time and a stoppage-time strike from Sunil Chhetri ensured the Blues joined Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Jamshedpur FC as opening-weekend winners. For head coach Renedy Singh, it was a performance built on territorial control, patience in possession and defensive discipline hallmarks he had stressed in the lead-up to the season.
Early Intent, Measured Control
Bengaluru started with purpose. Within the opening five minutes, Ryan Williams and Ashique Kuruniyan both threatened the SC Delhi goal. Williams capitalised on a loose touch in midfield, driving forward before unleashing a low effort that drifted narrowly wide. Moments later, Nikhil Poojary delivered a teasing cross from the right that Ashique met at the far post, only for Delhi goalkeeper Vishal Yadav to react sharply.
The early exchanges suggested a long evening ahead for SC Delhi, but the visitors gradually settled. Compact in shape and organised in their defensive third, they limited Bengaluru to half-chances despite the hosts enjoying the bulk of possession. The Blues circulated the ball confidently through midfield yet struggled to penetrate a disciplined backline.
Photo: Prathiksha MK/Focus Sports/ ISL
At the other end, Delhi showed glimpses of promise through Aimen’s movement in wide areas. Their clearest opportunity arrived late in the first half when Augustine Lalrocchana latched onto Azhar’s incisive through ball. The forward went through on goal but was denied by a well-timed intervention from Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, who pushed the shot away to preserve parity.
Breakthrough Before the Interval
Just as the half appeared destined to end goalless, Bengaluru found the breakthrough. Roshan initiated the move from midfield with a lofted delivery toward Poojary, who had advanced into the box. The defender’s cushioned header dropped invitingly for Sivasakthi, and the forward made no mistake from close range in first-half stoppage time.
The timing of the goal shifted the psychological balance. Having controlled proceedings without reward for much of the half, Bengaluru now had tangible momentum.
The second half followed a similar pattern. Bengaluru dominated possession and sought to stretch Delhi’s defensive lines. Braian Sánchez, lively between the lines, twice tested Vishal Yadav first with a well-struck effort from the edge of the area that was parried away, and then with a left-footed attempt that sailed wide.
Despite Delhi’s attempts to push higher, clear-cut chances were scarce. Gurpreet remained largely untroubled, shielded effectively by a backline that read danger early and maintained compact spacing. The Blues’ defensive transitions were particularly impressive, cutting off counter-attacking lanes before they developed into meaningful threats.
SC Delhi’s best opportunity in the second period came from a rehearsed free-kick routine. Ramhlunchhunga, receiving possession on the right flank after a double dummy over the ball, delivered a cross to the far post. Substitute Alan Saji rose well but could not keep his header on target.
Chhetri Seals It
As Delhi chased an equaliser in the closing stages, Bengaluru exploited the spaces left behind. In second-half stoppage time, Vinith Venkatesh carried the ball through midfield before releasing an unmarked Sunil Chhetri. Vishal Yadav rushed off his line in an attempt to intervene, but Chhetri displayed characteristic composure, flicking the ball past the advancing goalkeeper.
With the net unguarded, the veteran striker struck from distance. The ball cannoned off the upright before crossing the line a fittingly emphatic finish that secured the result. Chhetri’s goal not only provided insurance but underlined his enduring influence. Even in limited moments, he remains decisive.
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Nikhil Poojary, named Player of the Match, embodied Bengaluru’s balance between defence and attack. His overlapping runs, positional awareness and involvement in the opening goal highlighted his importance within Renedy Singh’s system. Equally significant was the defensive cohesion. Bengaluru conceded little in open play, managing transitions efficiently and limiting Delhi’s creative outlets. For a side intent on challenging near the top of the table, such structural stability will be crucial.
A Positive Opening Statement
While SC Delhi showed organisation and flashes of attacking promise, their debut outing at the Kanteerava ultimately revealed the gap in sharpness and execution. For Bengaluru, the evening offered a measured yet convincing statement. The Blues controlled tempo, capitalised at key moments and closed out the match professionally. As the season unfolds, consistency will define ambitions, but this 2–0 victory provides a steady foundation.
In a league increasingly defined by fine margins, Bengaluru FC began with clarity of purpose and, importantly, three points.
