UEFA Champions League: Porto Face Manchester City, Maresca Says 'This Is a Brand-New Challenge'

At 3:00 a.m. Beijing time on September 9, 2026, Porto will face Manchester City in the opening round of the UEFA Champions League main phase. As a strong team in the Portuguese top flight, Porto have performed impressively in the new season, winning all of their first five league matches, collecting 15 points and sitting at the top of the table, two points ahead of second-placed Sporting CP. Statistics show that Porto have scored 11 goals and conceded just one in five league matches this season, demonstrating a strong balance in attack and defense.

Porto have been in stable form recently, winning match after match. In their latest game against Moreirense, they dominated with 70% possession and 23 shots, including nine on target, making things difficult for their opponents before eventually securing a 2-1 victory. They maintained their winning streak, with Bednarek and W. Gomes combining to help the team earn the win.

Manchester City, as a Premier League powerhouse, have also made an eye-catching start to the new season. They have won all three league matches, earned nine points and sit at the top of the Premier League table. According to the statistics, Manchester City have scored seven goals and conceded two in those three matches, showing an excellent attacking and defensive record. In addition, they defeated Coventry 1-0 in their last match and kept a clean sheet.

At the pre-match press conference, Manchester City manager Maresca said: "This competition has always been particularly exciting. The format has changed, and we need to adapt as quickly as possible—the changes have actually been continuing for several years. This is a brand-new competition, but our goal remains the same: be ourselves, win the match, and then look at the next step."

Looking back at the previous meetings between the two teams, Porto have recorded one win, one draw and three defeats in five matches against Manchester City, leaving them with a disadvantage in historical encounters. However, given the current situation, Porto's strong recent form, continued victories and solid performances in attack and defense will undoubtedly give them more confidence. Meanwhile, Manchester City's experience and strength cannot be underestimated, and many predictions still suggest that the visitors have a chance to win.