Haaland scores twice and accuses Porto's Rosario of grabbing him in fiery Champions League opener

Erling Haaland scored twice to give Manchester City a winning start to their Champions League campaign against FC Porto at the Estadio do Dragao, then alleged that Porto midfielder Pablo Rosario had grabbed his bottom during a heated on-pitch confrontation that earned both players a booking.

The Norwegian striker broke the deadlock just two minutes into the second half after Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa had kept the hosts level with a string of fine first-half saves. Haaland then sealed the result with a 91st-minute clincher, his brace lifting him level with Sergio Agüero as Manchester City’s joint all-time top scorer in the Champions League on 36 goals.

Speaking to Norwegian television after the match, Haaland was candid about his tussle with Rosario. “I was really keen on a hat-trick and it seemed like he was very eager to stop me from getting it,” he said. “It was a little interesting, that. You’ll be seeing a picture where he’s grabbing my bottom… it’ll be interesting to see that picture.”

The ill-tempered nature of the evening extended beyond the pitch, with a confrontation also reported between players and staff in the tunnel at half-time.

Despite the friction, Haaland was generous in his assessment of Enzo Maresca’s opponents. “It was a difficult fight, man against man. They are a top team. Honestly, they are impressive,” he said post-match.

Haaland acknowledged that City were made to work hard for the three points, particularly during a sustained Porto spell midway through the second half. “I think honestly we controlled the first half. A bit uncomfortable when they came a bit high, but we created a lot of chances. I could easily have had a lot more goals, but 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.”

The striker also underlined the importance of winning early in the revamped Champions League format. “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.”