Haaland's goal‑per‑game streak propels City’s Champions League launch

Norwegian striker Erling Haaland gave Manchester City a 0-2 win over Porto at the Estádio do Dragão on the Champions League opening matchday, scoring both goals – a header from Enzo Fernández’s cross and a finish from Rayan Aït‑Nouri’s low delivery.

Record‑breaking goal tally

According to Squawka, Haaland reached 59 goals in 59 Champions League matches. That total places him as the seventh‑highest scorer in the competition’s history. He overtook Thomas Müller, who finished on 57 goals.

The Norwegian forward’s one‑goal‑per‑game average has earned him the nickname “Robot”. Fans also refer to him as the “Android” because of his unprecedented efficiency. By comparison, Lionel Messi needed 76 matches, Robert Lewandowski 83, Kylian Mbappé 89 and Cristiano Ronaldo 96 to reach the same tally.

Match drama and key moments

The game was slow to start, with City not threatening until the 15th minute when Phil Foden linked with Antoine Semenyo to deliver a cross for Haaland. A fiery incident saw Marc Guéhi clash with Gabri Veiga, prompting security staff to intervene as players headed to the tunnel. PA noted that much of the second half was played in pouring rain. Haaland opened the scoring in the 47th minute, heading in a low delivery from Rayan Aït‑Nouri. He sealed the win in stoppage time, converting a cross from Enzo Fernández in the 90+1 minute.

Porto’s response and final whistle

Porto created several chances, with Diogo Costa producing the first of several good saves, including a double‑save from a Haaland volley and a Rayan Cherki effort. Pepê headed wide, Alberto Costa crossed from a corner, and Alan Varela’s drive narrowly missed the target. Josko Gvardiol received a booking after a clash with William Gomes, while Francesco Farioli was also booked later in the game. Pablo Rosario’s poor tackle on Haaland sparked another flare‑up before the final whistle.

The final whistle brought relief to the visiting ranks, confirming a winning start for Manchester City. Man City’s victory gave them three points on the opening matchday.

The win signals a promising opening for City’s Champions League campaign under Enzo Maresca.