Haaland double gives Manchester City ideal Champions League start in Porto
Manchester City secured a victory against Porto in their Champions League opener with two goals from Erling Haaland. Manager Enzo Maresca praised the team's gritty performance in challenging weather conditions.
Why it matters
This match marks a successful start for Maresca's tenure at Manchester City in a high-stakes European competition.
Erling Haaland scores Manchester City’s second against Porto. Erling Haaland scores Manchester City’s second against Porto. Champions League Haaland double gives Manchester City ideal Champions League start in Porto Jamie Jackson at Estádio do Dragão Tue 8 Sep 2026 17.08 EDT Last modified on Wed 9 Sep 2026 01.45 EDT Share Prefer the Guardian on Google Enzo Maresca admitted a liking for the “boom-boom” of house music in the buildup to this match, then enjoyed the sweet notes of victory having overseen a gritty performance from his Manchester City side in incessant rain.
City had lost six of their past nine away games in the competition, and been beaten in the 2021 Champions League final at this venue, so to beat Porto and claim three points is a fillip for the manager’s nascent project.
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