Blues grind out impressive win on the road
Manchester City opened their 2026-27 Champions League account with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over FC Porto at the Estádio do Dragão. Erling Haaland struck twice in the second half to settle a contest that required patience and no small amount of character from Enzo Maresca's side.
The Norwegian's brace, arriving in the 47th and 90th minutes, ensured the Blues left Portugal with all three points on a night when the hosts made life difficult.
Player Ratings v FC Porto
Season averagesDefensive resilience the foundation
While Haaland grabbed the headlines, the defensive unit deserves its share of credit. Marc Guehi was the standout, earning a 9/10 rating and, in the writer's view, sharing man-of-the-match honours with the striker. Ruben Dias was equally commanding alongside him, with an 8.5/10 display described as brilliant.
At right-back, Matheus Nunes turned in a solid shift (7.5/10), while Josko Gvardiol had a mixed evening on the left. The Croatian was good in possession but found himself locked in a battle with Porto's industrious winger William Gomes, finishing with a 6.5/10 rating.
There were nerves at the back, though. Gianluigi Donnarumma's outing was a nervous one, the goalkeeper rated just 5/10.
Midfield control and a debut to remember
In midfield, Ayyoub Bouaddi impressed on his first start for the club, the Moroccan earning 7.5/10. Enzo Fernandez also grew into the game as it wore on, matching that rating. Rayan Cherki showed flashes of quality, his close control helping to set up the opening goal, though he was limited to 6.5/10 overall.
Phil Foden was effective on the right, with a 7.5/10 rating for an impressive performance, while Antoine Semenyo caught the eye on the left wing, finishing with 8/10.
Substitutes make their mark
Maresca's changes added energy when needed. Mateo Kovacic came on and added exactly what was required in midfield, earning 7/10. Rayan Ait-Nouri was very good on the left flank after his introduction, grabbing an assist and a 7/10 rating. Elliot Anderson was busy after coming on (6.5/10), and Iliman Ndiaye was lively off the bench, also rated 6.5/10. Abdukodir Khusanov slotted in at left-back and did what was needed, finishing with 6/10.
The result gives City a winning start in Europe, and while there is room for improvement, especially in goal, the character shown to leave the Dragão with a clean sheet and two goals will please the manager.