Erling Haaland netted twice as Manchester City secured a comfortable win over Porto in their first group stage match.
The Norwegian forward, who had already found the net against Coventry in their previous outing, delivered another standout display. He powered a header into the bottom corner for the opener and then added a second with a composed finish from close range. This brought his total to 36 Champions League goals for Manchester City across just 40 matches.
City dominated the contest in Portugal, limiting Porto to very few scoring chances. The result gives Enzo Maresca’s squad a strong foundation as they begin their European journey this season.
Haaland leads Manchester City to victory
Haaland was once again the decisive figure for City, following up his match-winning strike against Coventry with another two-goal performance. His contributions ensured Manchester City started their Champions League campaign with minimal fuss.
Manchester City have won all three of their opening Premier League fixtures and carried that momentum into European competition. Youngster Ayyoub Bouaddi also caught the eye, earning his first start for the club and impressing throughout the match.
Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa kept the scoreline respectable during the first half with several outstanding saves. He denied Haaland twice with quick reflexes and also blocked efforts from Antoine Semenyo and Phil Foden.
Porto fail to match Manchester City
Porto entered the game on the back of five straight league wins, but they could not replicate that form against Manchester City. The home side managed no shots at all in the opening 45 minutes.
After Haaland broke the deadlock, Alan Varela almost equalised with a curling effort that drifted just wide. William Gomes also missed the target as Porto searched for a way back into the contest.
Despite those moments, Porto could not create meaningful pressure on Gianluigi Donnarumma before the final whistle. Their lack of clear-cut chances left them disappointed in front of their own supporters.
Champions League disappointment for Porto
The win carried extra significance for Manchester City, who had suffered Champions League exits at the hands of Real Madrid in each of the previous three seasons. Their trip to Estadio do Dragao also brought back memories of their 2021 final defeat to Chelsea at the same venue, making this result even sweeter.
For Porto, this loss extends a poor run against English clubs in European tournaments. The 2004 champions have now won just two of their last 17 meetings with teams from England.
Manchester City remain focused on adding another Champions League title to their collection, having last claimed the trophy during their treble-winning season in 2023.