| Man City vs Fc Porto | |
| MATCH | Champions League |
| DATE | 09 - 09 - 2026 |
| TIME | 12.30 AM IST |
| STADIUM | Estádio do Dragão |
Porto vs Manchester City: Match Preview
Manchester City begin their Champions League campaign with a difficult trip to Portugal to face Porto, in what will be a landmark European occasion for Enzo Maresca.
It will be the first time since the 2015-16 season that Manchester City enter a Champions League campaign without Pep Guardiola in charge. Maresca, meanwhile, already has European success on his résumé after guiding Chelsea to Conference League glory in the 2024-25 season.
The Italian also impressed during his spell in charge of Chelsea in the Champions League, recording three wins, one draw and two defeats across six matches. His standout result came against Barcelona, with Chelsea producing a memorable 3-0 victory.
Manchester City suffered a 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the Community Shield, but they have responded strongly in the Premier League. The Citizens have collected maximum points from their opening three league fixtures against Bournemouth, Crystal Palace and Coventry City.
Erling Haaland was once again decisive in their latest match, scoring his 300th career goal in the narrow 1-0 victory over Coventry. The milestone also saw him surpass a Manchester City scoring record previously held by Sergio Aguero.
City were made to work hard for the victory, with goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma producing an important performance to keep Coventry from finding an equaliser. The clean sheet was City's first of the season in all competitions.
However, their European away record remains a concern. Manchester City have won only two of their last nine Champions League away matches, suffering six defeats during that run.
Porto return to the Champions League after a two-year absence and will be eager to make their return to Europe's elite competition count.
The Portuguese champions last featured in the Champions League during the 2023-24 campaign, when Arsenal eliminated them on penalties in the last 16. Since then, Porto have endured mixed fortunes in the Europa League, suffering knockout-round exits against Roma and Nottingham Forest.
Winning the 2025-26 Primeira Liga title secured their return to the Champions League, and Francesco Farioli's side have started the new campaign in impressive fashion.
After beating Torreense 1-0 in the Portuguese Super Cup, Porto have won all five of their league matches. They have scored 11 goals and conceded just one against Alverca, Rio Ave, Arouca, Viseu and Moreirense.
This will be Porto's 28th appearance in the Champions League league phase or group stage, placing them among the competition's most experienced clubs. Their only concern is their record against Manchester City, having failed to win any of their previous competitive meetings.
City have won three of the four previous encounters between the sides, with the other ending in a goalless draw in December 2020.
Recent Form
Porto: W-W-W-W-W-W
Manchester City: L-W-W-W
Team News
Manchester City could be without Nico O'Reilly after the midfielder withdrew from the starting lineup shortly before the Coventry match because of a back problem. Although the injury was initially considered minor, O'Reilly has not travelled to Portugal.
Jeremy Doku is also unavailable because of a calf injury.
Iliman Ndiaye was forced off late in his debut against Coventry with what appeared to be cramp. Phil Foden could therefore be an option if Ndiaye is unable to feature.
Porto will be without Jan Bednarek, who is suspended after receiving a red card during last season's Europa League quarter-final defeat to Nottingham Forest.
Nehuen Perez is expected to partner former Arsenal defender Jakub Kiwior at centre-back in Bednarek's absence.
Victor Froholdt is another major absentee after suffering a concussion against Moreirense. Although the midfielder is recovering, he will miss this Champions League encounter.
Porto are also expected to be without Vasco Sousa, Oskar Pietuszewski, Gabriel Mec, Zaidu Sanusi and Samu Aghehowa, all of whom remain sidelined with various injuries.
With Porto returning to Europe's top competition in excellent domestic form and Manchester City looking to establish a new era under Maresca, this promises to be a fascinating Champions League opener at the Estadio do Dragao.