Haaland Praises Bouaddi as Manchester City Defeats Porto

Manchester City walked out of Porto with a 2-0 victory and something more valuable than three Champions League points: the feeling that an 18‑year‑old might be ready for this stage.

Erling Haaland called it “a difficult fight, man against man”. It looked exactly that. Porto went toe to toe, pressed high, and forced City into a scrap before the visitors’ quality and composure told.

“They are a top team, honestly they are impressive,” Haaland said on Amazon Prime, full of respect for the hosts. “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 the heavy lifting early. Haaland felt his side had the first half under control, even if Porto’s aggressive press occasionally rattled them.

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

The breakthrough after the interval shifted the mood. Porto then surged for a 25‑minute spell, pinning City back and asking serious questions of their back line. City bent, but did not break.

“Second half we scored and they pushed us for a good 25 minutes, but again we managed to hold through and then finish the game,” Haaland said. The job was done, the group campaign still on track, the pressure eased – for now.

“These are the games that we have to win, and we have had a great start to the season,” he added. “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

On a night shaped by Haaland’s relentlessness and City’s resilience, it was Bouaddi who stole a slice of the spotlight. Thrown into a Champions League tie at 18, he impressed one of the most demanding team‑mates in world football.

“I think he played a very good game,” Haaland said. “Last couple of weeks in training, I told the chairman that he has been amazing, so I think we have a gem here.”

That word lingered. A gem. City’s academy has produced its share of polished talents, but it is rare to hear Haaland speak like that about a youngster just after a bruising away win.

Of course, he could not resist a striker’s complaint.

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

It was a glimpse of the standards inside this dressing room. Encouragement, yes. But no free passes.

The weight of the shirt

For Haaland, the message around City’s expectations never changes, regardless of opponent, venue or competition.

“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 away, a debutant on the pitch, pressure building in the group, and still that is the bar. City left with a win and a teenager who looked like he belonged. The question now is simple: how quickly does this “gem” get polished for the next big European night?