Erling Haaland scored twice as Manchester City began their Champions League campaign with a 2-0 win at FC Porto. The Norwegian's second-half brace at the Estádio do Dragão took him to five goals for the season and third on the club's all-time scoring list.
For 45 minutes, it looked like being another of those nights. Diogo Costa saved well from Haaland twice when he should have scored, and the frustration was visible. City had dominated but had nothing to show for it.
Two minutes after the break, that changed. A clever header from Haaland gave Enzo Maresca's side the lead. It was the 47th minute, and the relief was tangible.
Porto fought back, as decent sides do. They pushed, they probed, and for a while it looked like they might find something. City had to wait until the 91st minute for the decisive blow. Mateo Kovacic and Rayan Ait-Nouri combined to set up Haaland, who finished precisely with his right foot to secure all three points.
The win was City's first in this season's league phase, and it was built on the sort of patience that has become a hallmark. Haaland's first-half misses could have been costly, but his response after the break was emphatic. It was also a reminder that he is more than just a poacher. The header was clever, the finish for the second was precise.
Haaland's brace took him to 167 goals in 203 appearances for City. Only Eric Brook (177) and Sergio Aguero (260) have scored more. He joined the club in the summer of 2022 and has been instrumental to their success ever since.
After the match, Enzo Fernandez was full of praise for his teammate. "Haaland is an animal, a beast," he said. "Every time I'm on the pitch I will look for him. Hopefully I can give him more assists. Haaland is not just a great player but an amazing human being as well and he welcomed me here and has helped me."
That sort of endorsement speaks volumes about Haaland's influence beyond the goals. He is a leader, a focal point, and a player his teammates clearly trust.
Next up is Sunday's Manchester derby. Haaland will enter it in form, with five goals already this season. For City's opponents, that is a worrying thought.