Erling Haaland’s second-half brace earned Manchester City an unconvincing 2-0 win over Porto in their 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 tapped home a second to finally seal the game, but only after the visitors had to withstand a barrage of 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 to their performances so far.
Costa saves deny City in first half
Man City created their first major opening in the 21st minute when Phil Foden’s clever movement helped create space for Erling Haaland, but the striker was denied by a big 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 him and his header went begging.
Foden then tested Costa in the 29th minute, although the Porto goalkeeper was able to make the save.
City went closest yet in the 31st minute when Bouaddi made a lovely entry into the box, with Rayan Cherki also involved in the move. Haaland’s low drive was saved by Costa before Cherki’s follow-up was also kept out.
Costa had already been called upon five times by that stage, with his saves from Haaland, Foden and Cherki keeping City from finding the breakthrough, with the Porto stopper undoubtedly the reason why the two teams were still level at the break.
Haaland the difference for unconvincing City
But after being frustrated in the first half, it took less than two minutes for Haaland to find the net in the second as the Norwegian leapt highest to head debutant Enzo Fernandez’s cross back across goal and in off the post for his 58th Champions League goal.
City were far from comfortable in the game, though, and they were given a stark reminder of the hosts’ continued threat when Alan Varela fired just wide of the post from the edge of the box.
Gianluigi Donnarumma was then dealt a huge slice of luck after his lax attempt to clear the ball was closed down by William Gomes, whose block just happened to ricochete wide of the post.
Porto continued to push against a City side which looked far from comfortable, with the introduction of Seko Fofana installing fresh impetus and momentum for the hosts with his driving runs from midfield.
But just when it looked like City may just grind out the win, Haaland ensured 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.
You Should Also Read
