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Erling Haaland scored twice as Manchester City began their Champions League campaign with an emphatic win over Porto. The Norwegian forward took his European tally for the club to 36 goals as Enzo Maresca's side controlled the contest at the Estadio do Dragao.

Haaland's double seals victory in Porto

Haaland found the net twice as City opened their Champions League campaign with a comfortable victory against Porto. The Norwegian striker carried on from his weekend winner against Coventry to produce another match-winning display. He put City ahead with a well-directed header before calmly slotting in his second goal of the night. The two-goal haul means he has now scored a remarkable 36 Champions League goals in only 40 appearances for City.

Maresca's side dictate the European opener

City were in control from the very beginning, extending the momentum from their strong domestic run after three successive Premier League victories. Teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi caught the eye on his first senior start for the club in midfield.

Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa kept the scoreline respectable with a string of outstanding first-half saves. The Portugal international denied Haaland twice with brilliant reflexes and also kept out efforts from Phil Foden and Antoine Semenyo.

In spite of Costa's fine display, Porto were unable to create any sustained pressure against the City backline. The home side did not manage a single shot during a one-sided opening 45 minutes dominated by the visitors.

Porto find English opposition difficult again

Francesco Farioli's Porto team came into the match in excellent domestic shape, having won all five of their Portuguese league matches this season. However, the jump to European competition proved far more demanding.

The hosts produced very few openings, with Alan Varela curling just wide and William Gomes also failing to hit the target. City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma ultimately had a quiet night and finished the game without being seriously tested.

The loss extends Porto's poor historical record against English clubs in Europe. The 2004 European champions have now managed only two wins in their last 17 matches against English opposition.

Manchester derby next for the victorious Cityzens

After being knocked out by Real Madrid in each of the last three seasons, City are aiming to go all the way once again. The club is targeting its first Champions League title since the Treble-winning campaign of 2023.

Focus now shifts back to domestic action for both teams after their midweek European fixtures. The Cityzens are next up against rivals Manchester United in a crucial Premier League Manchester derby. Porto, meanwhile, will try to respond to their European setback when they return to Liga Portugal action against Casa Pia.