Enzo Maresca got a complete team performance from his Manchester City side against FC Porto | OneFootball

Manchester City saw off a determined FC Porto side at the Estádio do Dragão to begin their UEFA Champions League campaign with a 2-0 win. A second half brace from Erling Haaland was enough for Enzo Maresca’s side to pick up all three points. FC Porto are a quality outfit in their own right. Last night’s match was a proper test for City. It was a test they passed with flying colours and it took a complete performance from the FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders to ensure that they extended their winning run in all competitions to four matches to start the 2026-27 season.

Manchester City put in a superb team display to beat FC Porto.

In the first half of last night’s match, Manchester City were by far and away the better side against FC Porto. After a testing opening 10 minutes where Francesco Farioli’s side’s energetic press unsettled City, it took them time to click into gear. However, once Enzo Maresca’s side came to grips with this, they did set about dominating the first half. If not for an inspired display from FC Porto keeper Diogo Costa, Manchester City could have been out of sight by halftime. City’s attacking play cut through the hosts with regularity in the opening 45 minutes. City’s midfield dictated proceedings and the Manchester City defence was on top form. The only thing lacking was a goal or three to cap off a very good first half display.

Manchester City would get their richly deserved goal two minutes into the second half. Erling Haaland headed home an Enzo Fernandez cross to cap off a fine team move. From that point, FC Porto began to get forward. Francesco Farioli’s side did play with more attacking intent and create openings. However, they were frustrated on several occasions as City’s offside trap was superbly executed all night. Midfielder Alan Varela did curl an effort wide in the 56th minute. That was as close as FC Porto would come to an equalizer.

Erling Haaland sealed Manchester City’s win in the 91st minute when he scored his second goal. Haaland’s goal was created by Mateo Kovacic’s determination to win the ball back. He played the ball to Rayan Ait-Nouri who set Haaland up to land the knock-out blow. Fittingly, two of Manchester City’s substitutes created the goal which capped off a complete display from Endo Maresca’s side.

Enzo Maresca was thrilled with his team’s ‘complete’ display against FC Porto.

Speaking after his team began their Champions League campaign with a victory, Enzo Maresca was pleased with the complete performance of his team. Manchester City held FC Porto to five shots on the night and none on target. He explained: “It was the complete performance on the ball and off the ball for 95 minutes. We created enough chances to win the game in the first half and their goalkeeper was very good. We tried to continue in the second half in the same way.”

“It’s game by game. It’s a different competition, different stadium but the most important thing is we show who we are. We try to be aggressive off the ball and on the ball try to plan how we can win the game.“

“In terms of where we are, I don’t know. I can see game after game, the team is improving.“

Manchester City’s performance against FC Porto was their best in the four competitive matches they have played under Enzo Maresca. The template was clear to see with how Maresca wants his team to play. There were moments where FC Porto did play through Manchester City last night, especially in the second half. You would expect that this aspect of City’s play will tighten up in time. But for now, last night’s display was a complete performance from this new-look City side and it formed the foundation of their impressive win in Portugal.