Manchester City made the perfect start to their 2026/2027 Champions League campaign with a convincing 2-0 victory over Porto at Estadio do Dragao.
Erling Haaland was once again at the center of attention, scoring both goals to secure three important points for the English side. However, the Norwegian striker was not the only player to impress in Portugal.
Two of Manchester City’s new arrivals, Enzo Fernandez and Ayyoub Bouaddi, also produced encouraging performances. While Fernandez showed why City invested heavily in him, 18-year-old Bouaddi attracted particular praise from Haaland.
Haaland Makes the Difference Against Porto
Manchester City entered the Champions League looking to make a strong opening statement, and Haaland delivered when his team needed him most.
The first half ended without a goal, despite City controlling important periods of the match. The deadlock was finally broken shortly after the interval.
Haaland found the net in the 47th minute with a header, giving Manchester City the lead and putting Porto under greater pressure.
The Norwegian then completed his brace during stoppage time to seal a 2-0 victory.
His two goals also added another impressive milestone to an already remarkable Champions League record.
Haaland has now scored 36 Champions League goals for Manchester City in just 40 appearances.
That scoring rate once again highlights why he remains one of the most dangerous forwards in European football.
Enzo Fernandez Shows His Quality
Although Haaland grabbed the headlines, Manchester City also received an encouraging contribution from Enzo Fernandez.
The midfielder joined City from Chelsea for a reported £125 million transfer fee, making expectations around his performances understandably high.
Against Porto, Fernandez showed signs of why Manchester City were prepared to make such a significant investment.
His presence in midfield added another dimension to City’s performance, while his ability to operate in demanding matches will be important as the season progresses.
The Champions League provides a major stage for new signings to establish themselves, and Fernandez made a positive impression during his first European outing for his new club.
Ayyoub Bouaddi Emerges as a Potential Gem
The biggest surprise, however, was Ayyoub Bouaddi.
The 18-year-old midfielder was handed his first start for Manchester City after joining the club just two weeks earlier. Despite his limited time with the team, Bouaddi looked comfortable from the opening whistle.
His performance was particularly impressive considering the quality and intensity of the opposition.
Bouaddi, who represents Morocco internationally, previously played for LOSC Lille. His arrival at Manchester City reportedly cost £86 million, underlining the club’s belief in his potential.
For a teenager who had only recently joined his new teammates, starting away at Porto in the Champions League was a significant challenge.
Yet Bouaddi appeared to handle the occasion with confidence.
Key points from Bouaddi’s Champions League debut:
- He started against Porto for the first time with Manchester City.
- The midfielder is only 18 years old.
- He had joined City just two weeks before the match.
- His performance earned praise from Haaland.
- He was also described as outstanding by Maresca.
Haaland Calls Bouaddi a ‘Gem’
Haaland was clearly impressed by what he saw from Bouaddi, particularly during training in recent weeks.
The striker revealed that he had already spoken highly of the teenager to the club’s chairman before the Porto match.
“I think he played very well,” Haaland said when discussing Bouaddi.
The Norwegian then explained just how highly he rates his young teammate.
“In the last couple of weeks in training, I told the chairman that he was doing amazing. So I think we have a gem here.”
For a young player arriving at one of Europe’s biggest clubs, receiving that kind of endorsement from Haaland could be a major confidence boost.
It also suggests that Bouaddi has already made a strong impression away from matchday action.
Haaland Has One Small Complaint
Despite his glowing assessment, Haaland did have one humorous complaint about Bouaddi’s performance.
The striker believed the youngster missed an opportunity to pass to him during the second half when Haaland was in space.
“I think he should have passed to me in the second half when I was alone,” Haaland joked.
“I was a little bit angry, so I will tell him now, he played well, apart from that pass!”
The comment highlighted the competitive nature of Haaland, even after scoring twice and helping City secure a comfortable victory.
It was also a light-hearted way for the striker to point out the importance of decision-making in the final third.
Maresca Also Praises Bouaddi
Haaland was not alone in his assessment of Bouaddi’s performance.
Maresca also highlighted the teenager’s ability to remain composed during a difficult Champions League match.
“The good thing is from Erling, Ruben, Mateo, you expect them to know how to manage this game. But Ayyoub never panicked,” Maresca told Amazon Prime.
“He was very good and I think his performance was outstanding.”
That composure could become one of Bouaddi’s most valuable qualities as he adapts to the demands of playing for Manchester City.
A Promising Start for Manchester City
The 2-0 win over Porto gives Manchester City an ideal beginning to their 2026/2027 Champions League campaign.
Haaland once again demonstrated his importance with two goals, while Fernandez offered another glimpse of his quality after his big-money move.
But perhaps the most intriguing development was the emergence of Bouaddi.
At just 18 and having only arrived two weeks earlier, the midfielder already appears to have earned the respect of his teammates.
If he can continue developing at the same rate, Manchester City may have found a valuable long-term asset in the young Moroccan international.
For now, Haaland’s assessment says it all: City may indeed have a “gem” on their hands.
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