Erling Haaland continued his impressive scoring form as Manchester City began their Champions League campaign with a 2-0 victory over Porto at the Estádio do Dragão.
The Norwegian striker scored in each half to maintain Manchester City’s perfect start under manager Enzo Maresca, following three straight Premier League victories before Tuesday’s European opener.
Haaland, who scored the winner against Coventry City on Saturday, broke the deadlock shortly after half-time before completing his brace in stoppage time.
Manchester City gradually took control after a cautious opening, with Antoine Semenyo testing Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa with a low effort. The Ghanaian forward was involved again soon afterwards, producing a clever pass for Phil Foden, whose cross found Haaland. His header appeared destined for the net, but Costa reacted quickly to keep it out.
City continued to create the better chances and came close to taking the lead in the 32nd minute. Haaland’s right-footed effort was saved by Costa, who immediately recovered to deny Rayan Cherki from the rebound.
Porto’s resistance finally collapsed just two minutes after the interval.
Cherki produced excellent work to keep possession alive before finding Enzo Fernández, whose cross was met by Haaland. The striker directed his header towards the left post, with the ball going in off the woodwork to give City the lead.
The hosts responded positively and looked for an equaliser. Alberto Costa sent a header across the face of goal, while Alan Varela came close with a curling attempt that narrowly missed the target.
City survived the spell of pressure, although goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was briefly placed under pressure when William Gomes almost capitalised on a misplaced clearance.
Manchester City regained control as the match entered its final stages. Rayan Aït-Nouri fired wide before Elliot Anderson forced another save from Costa.
Haaland then put the result beyond doubt in the 91st minute. Mateo Kovacic recovered possession and played Aït-Nouri into space, with the full-back delivering the ball into the box. Haaland finished calmly into the bottom-right corner to complete a commanding individual performance.
contribution, Maresca will have been encouraged by City’s defensive display. Porto were caught offside seven times and failed to produce a single shot on target from their five attempts.
Ayyoub Bouaddi also impressed in midfield, winning possession seven times. That was the highest figure recorded by a player aged 18 or younger on his Champions League debut for a club since Benfica’s Antonio Silva won possession nine times against Maccabi Haifa in September 2022.
City’s dominance was reflected in the statistics. They registered 20 attempts, including 10 on target, and recorded an expected goals (xG) figure of 2.31 compared with Porto’s 0.22.
The victory gives Maresca another perfect result at the start of his Manchester City tenure, but there will be little time to celebrate as the Manchester derby awaits next.
