Manchester City began their 2026/27 UEFA Champions League campaign with a 2-0 victory over Porto at the Estádio do Dragão on Tuesday, with Erling Haaland scoring both goals.
The Norwegian striker struck shortly after half-time before completing his brace in stoppage time to secure three points for Enzo Maresca’s side.
City dominated possession during the opening period but struggled to find a breakthrough as Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa produced several important saves to keep the hosts level.
The visitors created the clearer chances before the interval, but Porto remained organized defensively and went into the break with the score still 0-0. City needed only two minutes of the second half to finally break the deadlock.
Rayan Cherki created space on the byline before finding Enzo Fernandez, whose cross was met by Haaland. The striker directed his header beyond Costa and into the far corner to put City 1-0 ahead.
Porto responded by pushing forward in search of an equaliser, but City largely controlled the game and limited the Portuguese side’s opportunities.
Alan Varela came close for Porto with an effort from outside the area, but his attempt went narrowly wide. Porto ultimately failed to register a shot on target during the match. City continued to threaten on the counter as Porto committed more players forward.
Also Read: Haaland shines as Man City pips Coventry
Haaland eventually sealed the victory in the first minute of stoppage time after Rayan Aït-Nouri cut the ball back into his path. The striker kept his composure to finish and make it 2-0.
The brace takes Haaland’s Champions League goals tally to another significant milestone as he continues to establish himself among the competition’s most prolific scorers.
Despite not producing their most fluent performance, City successfully managed the game after taking the lead and ended the night with a clean sheet.
The result gives Maresca a winning start to his first Champions League campaign in charge of Manchester City and puts the English side among the early winners in the league phase.
For Porto, the defeat marks a difficult return to the Champions League, with the Portuguese side unable to find the target despite enjoying some positive spells.
Manchester City next turn their attention to their domestic schedule before returning to Champions League action, while Porto will look to respond in their next European fixture.
Crediblenewsng.com
