Sports

Haaland's Late Show Gives Maresca First Champions League Win Despite Shaky City Display

By Sam Blitz

Erling Haaland scored twice, including a stoppage-time strike, to secure a 2-0 away win for Manchester City against FC Porto, delivering Enzo Maresca his first Champions League victory as the club's head coach. Despite the result, City were far from convincing throughout the match at the Estadio do Dragao.

Haaland squandered several first-half opportunities, with Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa producing a string of strong saves to deny both the Norwegian striker and midfielder Rayan Cherki. Haaland also headed a good chance over the crossbar during the opening 45 minutes.

The deadlock was broken just two minutes into the second half when Haaland shrugged off defender Jakub Kiwior to head in a cross from Enzo Fernandez, the ball deflecting in off the post.

After taking the lead, City eased off and Porto began to assert themselves. Although the Portuguese champions failed to register a shot on target for most of the second half, midfielder Alan Varela came close with a curling effort that flew just wide of the far post. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was also nearly dispossessed by Porto's William Gomes, though the danger was cleared.

City secured the result in stoppage time when Haaland converted a cutback from substitute Rayan Ait-Nouri, who had done well to reach the byline.

The win marked City's first Champions League victory of the season and made them the first team to defeat Porto at their home stadium this calendar year. However, Maresca's side have shown a pattern of winning matches without fully convincing, following previous results including a heavy defeat to Arsenal in the Community Shield, a narrow win over Bournemouth, a comfortable victory over Crystal Palace, and a tight 1-0 win against Coventry.

Speaking after the match, Haaland said City had controlled the first half and created numerous chances, adding that the team needed to learn from moments when Porto pushed them back for around 25 minutes in the second half. He emphasized that winning games and trophies is the standard expected at Manchester City.

Maresca defended his side's performance, stating that City deserved the win and had limited clear chances for their opponents. He noted that conceding some pressure was to be expected given the hostile atmosphere at Porto's stadium.

City will next face Manchester United in the Manchester derby at Old Trafford on Sunday, a match that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.