Manchester City beat Porto as Erling Haaland makes the difference in Champions League opener

Manchester City began their UEFA Champions League campaign with a hard-fought victory over FC Porto, with Erling Haaland scoring twice to secure all three points.

The Premier League side faced a demanding contest against a Porto team that applied intense pressure from the opening whistle. Francesco Farioli’s players pushed high up the pitch, working to close down space and prevent Manchester City from building momentum.

Despite Porto’s aggressive approach, the visitors created the clearest opportunities during the first half. Haaland, Phil Foden and Antoine Semenyo all tested the home defence, but each was denied by an outstanding display from Diogo Costa.

Porto’s goalkeeper was composed throughout the opening period, making a series of important saves from his goal line. His contribution kept the hosts in the contest and allowed them to go into the dressing room with hope. The score was recorded as 2-0 at the interval.

Manchester City attempted to settle the match quickly after the restart and found a breakthrough just two minutes into the second half. Their move began with Rayan Cherki, who received the ball in a narrow position before cutting it back towards Matheus Nunes.

Nunes delivered a cross into the area, where Haaland rose to meet it with a header. The Norway international finally found a way past Costa to put the visitors ahead and give City the advantage they had been seeking.

The goal changed the balance of the game. Porto responded by taking control of possession and began to create the stronger chances. Alberto Costa, Williams Gomes and the attacking players were unable to find the finish required to draw the hosts level, however, as their pressure failed to produce an equaliser.

Manchester City were forced to defend for long periods and looked to threaten on the counter-attack. That approach still enabled them to pose a danger from set-pieces, particularly corners.

The decisive second goal came from one of those situations. Anderson delivered the corner into the penalty area, where Rayan Ait-Nouri collected the ball and supplied Haaland. The Norwegian striker completed his double and settled the outcome of the match.

Porto continued to search for a response, but their lack of precision in the final third proved costly. City’s ability to withstand the pressure and punish their opponents from set-pieces ultimately proved decisive.

The result gives Manchester City three points from their opening UEFA Champions League fixture, while Porto are left to reflect on a match in which Diogo Costa’s saves had kept them within reach before Haaland’s second goal ended their hopes.