Haaland Praises Bouaddi as Manchester City Secures Porto Victory

Manchester City walked out of Porto with exactly what they came for: a 2-0 win, three points, and the sense that their Champions League campaign is already gathering a familiar, relentless rhythm.

It wasn’t free‑flowing. It was a fight. Erling Haaland called it “man against man” and he meant it.

“They are a top team, honestly they are impressive,” he told Amazon Prime, full of respect for a Porto side that refused to fold. “They play amazing football so well done to them, but with all the pressure [on us] we had to deliver on the biggest stage. That’s what we did today.”

City did their damage with control more than chaos. Haaland felt they owned the opening period.

“I think honestly we controlled the first half,” he said. “A bit uncomfortable when they came a bit high, but we created a lot of chances. I could of easily of had a lot more goals.”

The regret was real. The ruthlessness is never far away. But once City finally punched through after the break, Porto came roaring back.

“Second half we scored and they pushed us for a good 25 minutes,” Haaland admitted. “But again we managed to hold through and then finish the game.”

That, in his mind, is the point. These are the nights that shape a season.

“I think these are the games that we have to win, and we have had a great start to the season. In the Champions League you have to win games because if not you suddenly get all the pressure and then you never know what’s going to happen.”

Bouaddi’s big step

Amid the grind and the glare, an 18‑year‑old quietly took a huge stride. Bouaddi, handed his debut on this stage, impressed the most demanding judge in the building.

“I think he played a very good game,” Haaland said. This wasn’t a throwaway compliment. “Last couple of weeks in training, I told the chairman that he has been amazing, so I think we have a gem here.”

A gem, but not yet the finished article. Haaland’s competitive streak slipped through with a grin.

“To be honest, I think he should of played me through in the second half when I was all alone. I was a bit angry, so I will tell him right now, he played a good game, except that pass.”

One missed ball, plenty of promise. On a night defined by pressure, Bouaddi handled the weight and left with his senior teammates talking him up.

The standard never drops

Haaland’s words cut to the core of what it means to wear City blue right now. There is no easing into anything. No hiding place.

“We have to demand a lot from each other, and we have to win games,” he said. “At Man City you have to win games and you have to win trophies.”

Porto felt that demand for 90 minutes. The Champions League will feel it all season.