Manchester City got their Champions League journey off to a winning start, with Erling Haaland netting twice in a 2-0 victory over Porto at the Estadio do Dragao.
After beginning their Premier League campaign with three straight victories, Enzo Maresca’s impressive start as City’s boss continued in Portugal.
Haaland once again proved decisive, following his winner against Coventry City with a second-half header and a stoppage-time finish. His brace took his Champions League tally to 59 goals, placing him seventh on the competition’s all-time scoring list.
City initially struggled to create clear opportunities, but gradually took control. Antoine Semenyo forced Diogo Costa into an early save before linking up with Phil Foden, whose cross found Haaland. The Norwegian’s powerful header was denied by the Porto goalkeeper.
City continued to threaten and came close to breaking the deadlock in the 32nd minute. Costa saved Haaland’s effort before quickly recovering to stop Rayan Cherki from converting the rebound.
The breakthrough finally arrived two minutes into the second half. Cherki kept the ball in play before finding Enzo Fernandez, whose cross was headed against the left post and into the net by Haaland.
Porto responded strongly after falling behind, with Alberto Costa’s header narrowly missing Nehuen Perez and Alan Varela curling an effort just wide.
Despite coming under pressure, City’s defence held firm. Donnarumma was briefly put under pressure after William Gomes closed down his clearance, but City survived and regained control late on.
Rayan Ait-Nouri fired wide before Elliot Anderson forced another save from Costa. Haaland then completed the victory in the 91st minute.
After Mateo Kovacic won possession back and released Ait-Nouri, the full-back delivered into the box, allowing Haaland to sweep the ball into the bottom-right corner and secure three points for City.
Haaland Matches Aguero’s Champions League Record
Haaland’s latest brace saw him equal Sergio Aguero’s club record of 36 Champions League goals for Manchester City, achieved in just 40 appearances.
His opener came only one minute and 34 seconds after half-time, making it Porto’s earliest second-half concession in the Champions League in four years.
Since the 2022/23 campaign, only Kylian Mbappe, with 38 goals, has scored more Champions League goals than Haaland’s 36.
City were also impressive defensively. Porto were caught offside seven times and failed to record a single shot on target from their five attempts.
Ayyoub Bouaddi also stood out in midfield, recovering possession seven times—the most by a player aged 18 or younger on a club Champions League debut since Antonio Silva recorded nine for Benfica in September 2022.
City deserved the victory, recording 20 attempts, 10 of them on target, with an expected goals (xG) figure of 2.31 compared with Porto’s 0.22.
Maresca’s next challenge is the Manchester derby.
