Fernandez Praises Haaland After Champions League Win
Haaland had already been on the scoresheet in City’s previous Premier League match against Coventry, where his goal proved decisive.
Manchester City midfielder Enzo Fernandez has praised Erling Haaland after the Norwegian striker continued his remarkable scoring record in the Champions League with a brace against Porto. Photo: Courtesy.
By Robert Mutasi
Manchester City midfielder Enzo Fernandez has praised Erling Haaland after the Norwegian striker continued his remarkable scoring record in the Champions League with a brace against Porto.
Fernandez described Haaland as “an animal” and “a beast”, while promising to look for the prolific forward whenever they share the pitch.
“Erling Haaland is an animal, a beast!” Fernandez said.
“Every time I’m on the pitch, I’m going to look for him and try and give him assists. He’s an amazing player and human being!”
The comments came after Haaland produced another decisive performance as City opened their Champions League campaign with a comfortable victory over Porto.
The Norway international scored twice to give his side a strong start to their European campaign. His goals also pushed his Champions League tally for Manchester City to 36 goals in just 40 appearances, underlining his extraordinary record in the competition.
Haaland had already been on the scoresheet in City’s previous Premier League match against Coventry, where his goal proved decisive. He carried that form into Europe, once again showing his ability to make the difference in front of goal.
His first goal against Porto came through a header into the far corner, before he added another after finding space inside the penalty area and calmly rolling the ball into the net.
City’s victory was particularly satisfying given their recent Champions League history against Real Madrid. The English champions have been eliminated by the Spanish giants in each of the past three seasons and will be determined to make another serious challenge for the trophy.
The return to Porto’s Estadio do Dragao also carried memories of City’s difficult European history. It was at the same stadium that City lost the 2021 Champions League final to Chelsea.
This time, however, Pep Guardiola’s team enjoyed a far more positive evening.
Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa played a major role in keeping the scoreline respectable during the first half. He produced two impressive saves to deny Haaland, while also keeping out attempts from Antoine Semenyo and Phil Foden.
Porto struggled to create opportunities of their own. Despite enjoying a strong domestic campaign, the Portuguese side failed to register a shot during the opening 45 minutes.
Alan Varela came close after Haaland had opened the scoring, curling an effort narrowly wide. William Gomes also failed to find the target as Porto attempted to respond.
The hosts ultimately finished the match without forcing Manchester City’s goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma into a serious save.
The result was another indication of City’s strength in European competition as they seek to reclaim the Champions League trophy for the first time since their historic treble-winning campaign in 2023.
For Haaland, the night provided another reminder of why he is regarded among the world’s leading strikers. His goalscoring numbers continue to rise at an exceptional rate, while Fernandez’s comments highlight the growing understanding between the Argentine midfielder and City’s main attacking threat.
With a long Champions League campaign ahead, City will hope Haaland can maintain his scoring form and that players such as Fernandez can continue supplying him with opportunities.
If that partnership develops as expected, Haaland could once again become one of the central figures in City’s pursuit of European glory.
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