Sports
Haaland's Brace Powers Manchester City to Champions League Win at Porto Despite Tunnel Clash
Manchester City secured a hard-fought victory over Porto in the Champions League, with manager Enzo Maresca praising his side's gritty performance in heavy rain. The win is particularly significant given City had lost six of their previous nine away games in the competition and had suffered defeat at this same venue in the 2021 Champions League final.
However, the match was marred by an altercation at half-time as players and staff approached the tunnel, which could draw scrutiny from UEFA. Images showed City captain Rúben Dias placing a hand on Porto head coach Francesco Farioli amid tensions that flared after a collision between Marc Guéhi and Gabriel Veiga left the Porto player with a head injury, though he was able to continue.
When asked whether Dias would face consequences for the incident, which could potentially cost City points, Maresca appeared frustrated. "Probably, anyway you can ask what you want but how many times you see me or my bench or the guys that work with me stand up on the bench. Zero, for 95 minutes. How many times you see their bench?" he responded.
Despite the controversy, Maresca has reason for optimism. All four of his opening matches in charge have ended in victory. Erling Haaland's two goals extended his remarkable scoring record, moving him into third place on City's all-time scoring list with 167 goals in just four years, including 59 goals in 59 Champions League appearances.
"Amazing game, against the champions of Portugal. We have to deliver on the biggest stage and we did that tonight," Haaland said afterward.
Maresca handed 18-year-old Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi his full debut alongside Enzo Fernández. The youngster impressed overall, though he drew a light rebuke from Haaland for missing a passing opportunity. "I told the chairman [Khaldoon al-Mubarak] we've got a gem there," Haaland said. "But he should've played me through in the second half, I was all alone. I was a bit angry so I'll tell him right now – but he played a good game, except that pass."
The first half saw City struggle to find rhythm against a well-organized Porto side, who had entered the match unbeaten in five Primeira Liga games. Porto created early chances, with William Gomes forcing a defensive scramble and Veiga's shot being saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma, though the effort was later ruled offside.
City's fortunes improved when Phil Foden switched to the left flank, creating an opening for Haaland's header, which Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa saved. A similar move involving Antoine Semenyo saw Haaland head the ball over the bar. City continued to pressure Porto's goal through Foden, Rayan Cherki, and Haaland before halftime.
Following the tunnel incident, City broke the deadlock when Cherki drove into the box, beat Costa, and set up Fernández, whose cross was headed home by Haaland for the opening goal.
Porto responded with increased attacking pressure, coming close to equalizing when André Silva's shot struck the side netting after cutting inside from the right.
With City's lead fragile—similar to their narrow 1-0 win over Coventry on Saturday—Maresca made changes after 60 minutes, substituting Cherki and Semenyo for Elliot Anderson and Iliman Ndiaye to strengthen both defensive solidity and attacking options. Ndiaye had a shot saved by Costa, while Foden's attempt to break through was also thwarted.
Porto continued to press forward throughout the second half, keeping City on edge. However, Haaland sealed the victory with a right-footed finish in the final moments, securing three points despite renewed tensions between the two sides as the match concluded.