Manchester City opened their Champions League campaign with a 2-0 victory over Porto on Tuesday, as Erling Haaland struck twice in a rain-soaked and fiercely contested encounter at the Estadio do Dragao.
The visitors took control early in the second half, with Haaland heading City ahead just two minutes after the restart. Rayan Cherki kept the move alive before finding Enzo Fernandez, whose cross allowed Haaland to rise above the defence and send his header past goalkeeper Diogo Costa and in off the post.
Porto responded with sustained pressure and pushed Manchester City deep for much of the second half. Pepe headed wide, while Alberto Costa threatened from a corner and Alan Varela narrowly missed with a long-range attempt.
City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was forced into action as the Portuguese side searched for an equaliser, but the visitors absorbed the pressure and maintained their narrow advantage.
The match had already developed a fiery edge before the decisive moments on the pitch. A confrontation involving Marc Guehi and Porto midfielder Gabri Veiga during the half-time interval reportedly required security staff to intervene as players and officials made their way towards the dressing rooms.
Porto continued to press after the break, but City defended resolutely. Donnarumma dealt with the hosts’ attempts while the visitors waited for an opportunity to put the game beyond doubt.
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That moment arrived in stoppage time when Haaland completed his brace. Rayan Ait-Nouri cut the ball back into the area, allowing the Norwegian forward to finish and finally settle City’s nerves.
Tempers flared again late in the match after Pablo Rosario made a poor challenge on Haaland. Porto manager Francesco Farioli was subsequently shown a yellow card as tensions remained high.
Despite the physical nature of the contest, Manchester City held their composure to begin their European campaign with three points under Enzo Maresca.
Haaland later praised Porto’s quality and admitted City had endured a difficult spell after taking the lead.
“Amazing game, against the champions of Portugal – they are impressive, all of them. We created a lot of chances, but in the second half, they pushed us for 25 minutes. In the Champions League, you have to win games,” Haaland said.
The result gives City an ideal start to their Champions League campaign, while Porto will be left frustrated by their inability to turn sustained second-half pressure into an equaliser.
