FC Porto v Man City
Play By Play
Manchester City, despite a few restless periods, begin their 2026-27 Champions League campaign with a win, after a 2-0 victory over the returning Porto at Estadio do Dragao. Erling Haaland scored at the start and end of the second half to condemn Francesco Farioli's side to their first home defeat of 2026. Though they had some positive spells, Porto can have few complaints at the result, after failing to register a shot on target in the competition for the first time since February 2017. That culminated in a 0.22 xG compared to City's 2.31. Diogo Costa made five saves to keep Enzo Maresca's side at bay during the first half. However, he was helpless within two minutes of the second, when Enzo Fernandez's cross was guided into the uncovered far corner of his net by Haaland. Alan Varela curled narrowly wide from the edge of the box, but that was as close as Porto came to an equaliser in their first Champions League match in three years. Shortly after Elliot Anderson's bending effort called Diogo Costa into action, Haaland put the result beyond doubt in stoppage time, steering home a first-time shot from Rayan Ait-Nouri's cutback. City maintain their winning start to the season in all competitions, and it keeps their momentum high ahead of Sunday's Manchester derby against Michael Carrick's United at Old Trafford. Porto, meanwhile, will look to get back on track on the same day, when they travel to Casa Pia in the Primeira Liga. Thanks for joining us today. Until next time, goodbye!
FULL-TIME: PORTO 0-2 MANCHESTER CITY
FERNANDEZ GOES CLOSE, TWICE! Moments after whipping a free-kick narrowly wide of the target, the former Chelsea skipper takes aim again from just outside the box. His low drive is creeping into the bottom corner, but Diogo Costa gets down well to push away at his near post.
Haaland also goes into the book for his part in the incident with Rosario, much to his disbelief.
There's a flashpoint as a fracas breaks out between Rosario and Haaland, who was dragged to the ground by the Porto midfielder. The latter is booked by the referee.
Ait-Nouri was away down the left, and showed great awareness to pick out Haaland just outside the six-yard box.
HAALAND SCORES AGAIN!!! 2-0! THAT SEALS THE VICTORY FOR CITY! It's been a hard day's work, but City look like they've got the job done. Ait-Nouri gets to the byline in space and pulls the ball back for Haaland, who neatly steers a first-time shot past Diogo Costa. It's another landmark goal for the City number nine, who moves past Tommy Johnson to become their third-leading scorer of all time with 167.
GOOD TRY! Anderson looks to settle those late City nerves. The substitute drives towards the area and bends one towards the far corner. Diogo Costa has to spring across and palm it behind.
City have been nowhere near their brilliant best here. It won't matter, though, if they can hold onto their lead. It would be a big win, too. Porto haven't lost on home soil in 2026.
Fernandez earns a free-kick from Rosario, which eats up a few more seconds. He eventually swings the set-piece into the box. Dias tries to connect, but can't keep his header down. Although, the referee penalises the visitors for pushing in the box.
City deal with the corner and attack at the other end. The ball is teed up for the onrushing Ait-Nouri on the edge of the box. However, the former Wolves defender fires narrowly wide of the target.
Moments after Haaland can't keep a header down from Ndiaye's cross, Fofana is immediately involved. He makes his way into the City area, and does his best to rally the home supporters after his cross deflects behind for a corner.
It's one of the final throws of the dice from Farioli, who sends on Fofana in place of Gabri Veiga for the last seven minutes.
The 2023 champions very wisely try to find some rhythm as they keep hold of the ball for a decent spell. This will help settle them down as they look to see out the win.
City still lead by a goal to nil, but it's far from comfortable. They're not helping their cause, either, by being so sloppy in possession. Porto will sense an opportunity, and will be desperate to take it.
GOOD BLOCK! City go in search of that second goal that would give them breathing space. Haaland slips it through for Ndiaye, who is onside. However, Kiwior gets across quickly and makes a well-timed intervention to divert the shot away from goal.
There's also a conservative substitution by Maresca, with Foden replaced by Ait-Nouri.
Maresca goes for experience in the middle of the park, as teenager Bouaddi makes way for Kovacic.
There's also a change up front, with Andre Silva making way for Gimenez.
Another couple of changes from Porto. The first is at full-back, with Moura replacing Fernandes.
Porto certainly have the momentum heading into the last 20 minutes. Silva races onto a throughball in behind the City defence, and plays it across goal. His team-mate can't provide the finishing touch, but the offside flag goes up against him anyway.
The other change sees the hardworking Gomes given a breather, with Sainz taking his place for the final quarter of the contest.
Porto make two changes of their own. Hwang replaces Varela in the first of them.
BE CAREFUL! The ball is played back to Donnarumma. As Gomes chases him down, he rather carelessly looks to play the ball across. It's anticipated and blocked by the Porto forward. Thankfully for Donnarumma, though, the ball goes wide of the goal.
The fact they're starting to get shots away is certainly a sign of improvement from Porto. Gabri Veiga's ambitious attempt from range bends away from goal, so they're still awaiting their first shot on target in this game. They're finding their range, though.
