Porto host Manchester City in the opening round of the 2026/27 Champions League league phase. Francesco Farioli’s side are unbeaten this season (winning all their domestic matches and conceding just once), while Enzo Maresca’s City have started the Premier League with three straight wins.

Form & Context

• Porto: Perfect start domestically, strong defensive record, and back in the Champions League after a two-year absence. They present a tough home test.
• Manchester City: Solid early Premier League form under Maresca. Erling Haaland is in scoring form. City have not lost their Champions League opener in six of the last seven seasons.

Head-to-head favours City (unbeaten in previous meetings with Porto).

Team News

Porto
Jan Bednarek is suspended. Victor Froholdt is out after a head injury. Other absences include Zaidu Sanusi and Samu Aghehowa. Diogo Costa starts in goal; Nehuén Pérez partners Jakub Kiwior in defence.

Likely XI (4-3-3): D. Costa; A. Costa, Pérez, Kiwior, Moura; Fofana/Rosario, Rosario/Veiga, Veiga; Gomes, Silva/Giménez, Pepê.

Manchester City
Jérémy Doku (calf) and Nico O’Reilly (back) are out. Iliman Ndiaye is a possible doubt after cramp. New signings and rotation options available.

Likely XI (4-2-3-1): Donnarumma; Nunes/Khusanov, Guehi, Dias, Gvardiol/Aït-Nouri; Anderson, Bouaddi/Fernández; Semenyo, Cherki, Foden; Haaland.

Prediction

Porto 1-2 Manchester City

City’s superior quality and Haaland’s threat should edge a competitive away game. Porto will make it difficult at the Dragão, but the visitors have the firepower to open their Champions League campaign with three points.