Erling Haaland scored twice as Manchester City opened their Champions League campaign with a convincing victory over Porto.

The Norway striker followed up his winning goal against Coventry on Saturday with another decisive performance, heading into the far corner before adding a second after rolling the ball home. His brace took him to 36 Champions League goals for Manchester City in just 40 appearances.

City controlled the match in Lisbon and rarely allowed Porto to threaten, giving Enzo Maresca’s side an encouraging start to their European campaign.

Haaland gives Manchester City control

Haaland had already scored the only goal against Coventry before once again becoming City’s match winner. His two goals against Porto underlined his importance as Manchester City began their Champions League campaign in comfortable fashion.

City have started the Premier League season with three consecutive victories and carried that form into Europe. Teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi also impressed, making his first start for the club during a controlled display.

Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa was one of the main reasons the score remained close for much of the first half. He produced excellent reflex saves to deny Haaland twice and also kept out attempts from Antoine Semenyo and Phil Foden.

Porto struggles against Manchester City

Porto arrived in the match having won all five of their league games this season, but they struggled to reproduce that form against Manchester City. The Portuguese side failed to register a single shot during the opening 45 minutes.

After Haaland gave City the lead, Alan Varela came close to responding when he curled an effort narrowly wide. William Gomes also failed to find the target as Porto looked for a route back into the game.

Despite those attempts, Porto were unable to seriously test Gianluigi Donnarumma before the final whistle. Their inability to create clear opportunities left them frustrated on their own ground.

Champions League setback for Porto

The victory was particularly welcome for Manchester City after three consecutive Champions League eliminations by Real Madrid. Their return to Estadio do Dragao was also far more positive than their previous visit, when they lost the 2021 final against Chelsea.

For Porto, the result continued a difficult record against English opposition in European competition. The 2004 European champions have now won only two of their past 17 matches against English teams.

Manchester City are now targeting another Champions League triumph, having last lifted the trophy during their Treble-winning campaign in 2023.