Dogged City chase Dragão ghosts as Haaland brace steadies Porto clash

Manchester City silenced the lingering ghosts of the Dragão on 8 September 2026, edging Porto 2‑0 in a Champions League group match. Erling Haaland struck twice, while an ill‑tempered atmosphere saw security separate players in the tunnel after half‑time amid rising tension.

The stadium seemed to echo the whispers of the 2021 final, where holding midfielders and over‑thinking were blamed for a Covid‑era defeat to Chelsea. Only Phil Foden and Ruben Dias remain from that half‑filled ground showdown, and the memory of drowsy travelling supporters still lingers.

Maresca’s bold line‑up

Enzo Maresca opted for teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi in midfield, sidelining the more seasoned Elliot Anderson. The decision mirrored Pep Guardiola’s unconventional No 6 experiment, and placed right‑back Matheus Nunes in an advanced pressing role.

During the first half, City displayed authority but squandered a glut of chances. Haaland missed three big opportunities, while Phil Foden, assisted by Rayan Cherki, could have added a third. Diogo Costa produced a fine double save from Haaland and Cherki, highlighting Porto’s resilience.

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Temperatures rise in the second half

Haaland’s brace finally broke the deadlock, confirming his impact in the ill‑tempered tie. Tempers flared repeatedly; Marc Guehi collided with Gabriel Veiga, prompting a furious reaction from Porto.

After the half‑time whistle, the tunnel shook as both squads headed to dressing rooms, and eyewitnesses reported security having to separate players. The incident underscored the match’s volatile nature.

City’s fourth straight victory under Maresca signals a promising start to the campaign. Bouaddi’s debut, after a £85 million move from Lille, showed maturity beyond his 18 years, while the team continues to refine a distinctive style.

Report by JACK GAUGHAN.