Erling Haaland scored twice as Manchester City opened their Champions League campaign with a 2-0 victory away at Porto, in a match overshadowed by heated confrontations both at half-time and near the final whistle.
Playing in persistent rain at the Estadio do Dragao, Enzo Maresca's side ground out a result that eluded City in each of their previous two visits to the venue, which included a 2021 Champions League final defeat. The win extended Maresca's unbeaten start as City manager to four matches from four.
The contest simmered rather than boiled for long periods, with City struggling to find rhythm early on. Phil Foden linked with Antoine Semenyo in the 15th minute to tee up Haaland, but Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa produced a strong save to deny the header. Costa was called into action again shortly after, blocking a low effort from Foden before pulling off a fine double save against a Haaland volley and a follow-up from Rayan Cherki.
As City pushed the tempo, Porto sought to disrupt the flow, and the match grew increasingly scrappy. Josko Gvardiol was booked following a coming-together with William Gomes, and tensions rose further after Marc Guehi caught Gabri Veiga with an arm while contesting a header. The Portuguese winger needed treatment, and heated exchanges followed between players and the referee, who opted not to caution Guehi.
The ill-feeling carried into the interval, with security staff reportedly required to separate players and staff as they made their way down the tunnel. Television images appeared to show City captain Ruben Dias placing a hand on Porto head coach Francesco Farioli amid the confrontation. Asked afterward whether Dias could face disciplinary consequences, an irritated Maresca pointed to his own conduct on the touchline.