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Erling Haaland scored twice as Manchester City opened their UEFA Champions League campaign with a convincing 2-0 victory over Porto at the Estádio do Dragão on Tuesday night.
Haaland broke the deadlock two minutes after half-time, rising to meet Enzo Fernández’s cross with a powerful header that left Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa with no chance. The Norwegian striker completed his brace in stoppage time, calmly rolling the ball into the net after Rayan Aït-Nouri set him up.
The goals continued Haaland’s impressive start to the season. His second strike took his Champions League tally for Manchester City to 36 goals in 40 appearances, while he has now scored five goals for the club this season.
City had already threatened to take control before the break, with Costa producing two important saves to deny Haaland. The goalkeeper also kept out attempts from Antoine Semenyo and Phil Foden as City controlled much of the possession and territory.
Porto, who had won all five of their league matches this season, struggled to create opportunities against the English champions. The Portuguese side failed to register a shot in the first half and could not force City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma into a save during the match.
Alan Varela came closest to pulling one back after Haaland’s opener, curling an effort narrowly wide, while William Gomes also failed to hit the target. City remained disciplined and eventually sealed the victory when Aït-Nouri found Haaland in stoppage time.
Ayyoub Bouaddi also impressed on his first start for City. The 18-year-old midfielder delivered a composed performance.
The victory gives City a strong start to their Champions League campaign as they look to challenge for the European title again. Porto, meanwhile, will have to improve significantly after a home defeat in which they struggled to match City’s quality and attacking threat.
