Erling Haaland’s second-half brace won Manchester City an unconvincing 2-0 win over Porto at home Champions League opener
Haaland’s header early in the second half gave City a crucial lead early in the second half, before the prolific Norwegian slotted home a second to finally seal the game, but only after the visitors had to withstand pressure in Portugal.
But it was three points and a clean sheet once again for City, with the hosts maintaining their perfect start to the regular season under Enzo Maresca, although their new manager will want to see a big improvement on their performances so far.
Costa saves City in the first half
Man City created their first major opening in the 21st minute when Phil Foden’s clever move helped create space for Erling Haaland, but the striker was denied by a great hand from Diogo Costa.
Haaland was presented with another chance three minutes later when he met a teasing cross, but the delivery was slightly behind and his header went begging.
Foden tested Costa in the 29th minute, although the Porto goalkeeper was able to make the save.
City went close in the 31st minute when Bouaddi made a lovely run into the box, with Rayan Cherki also involved in the move. Costa saved Haaland’s takedown before Cherki’s follow-up was also kept out.
Costa had already been called on five times by that stage, with his saves from Haaland, Foden and Cherki preventing City from finding the breakthrough, with Porto’s stopper no doubt the reason the two teams were level at half-time.
Haaland the unconvincing difference for City
But after being thwarted in the first half, it took less than two minutes for Haaland to find the net in the second as the Norwegian leapt higher to head debutant Enzo Fernandez’s cross back and off the post for his 58th Champions League goal.
However, City were not comfortable in the game and were given a reminder of the home side’s continued threat when Alan Varela fired over from the edge of the area at low range.
Gianluigi Donnarumma received a great deal of luck after his feeble attempt to clear the ball was blocked by William Gomes, whose block bounced off the post.
Porto continued to push against a City side that looked far from comfortable, with the introduction of Seko Fofana installing fresh momentum and momentum for the hosts with his runs from midfield.
But just when it looked like City might wrap up victory, Haaland made sure the points were definitely theirs when he was in the perfect position to guide Rayan Ait-Nouri’s cross into the back of the net.