Haaland Praises Bouaddi as Manchester City Overcome Porto
Manchester City walked out of Porto with a 2-0 win and something more valuable than three Champions League points: the feeling that they might have unearthed a new talent.
Erling Haaland did the damage on the scoreboard, but he left the Dragão talking about someone else.
“It was a difficult fight, man against man,” he told Amazon Prime, still wired from a contest that never really allowed City to relax. “They are a top team, honestly they are impressive. They play amazing football so well done to them, but with all the pressure [on us] we had to deliver on the biggest stage. That’s what we did today.”
City had to. Group-stage margins can shrink quickly, and Haaland knows it. Control the night, or let the pressure pile up.
“I think honestly we controlled the first half,” he said. “A bit uncomfortable when they came a bit high, but we created a lot of chances. I could of easily of 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.
“I think these are the games that we have to win, and we have had a great start to the season. 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.”
Bouaddi’s big step
On a night built for established stars, 18-year-old Bouaddi stepped into the Champions League glare and looked like he belonged. Haaland has seen enough in training to believe this wasn’t a one-off.
“I think he played a very good game,” the Norwegian said. “Last couple of weeks in training, I told the chairman that he has been amazing, so I think we have a gem here.”
The praise came with a striker’s sting. Haaland, forever hunting the next chance, hasn’t forgotten one key moment.
“But to be honest, I think he should of played me through in the second half when I was all alone. I was a bit angry, so I will tell him right now, he played a good game, except that pass.”
That blend of admiration and ruthless demand is the standard at City. Debut or not, the decision-making has to match the level.
Demands of a ruthless club
Haaland didn’t dress it up. Wearing this shirt comes with a non-negotiable expectation.
“We have to demand a lot from each other, and we have to win games,” he said. “At Man City you have to win games and you have to win trophies.”
Porto pushed, City held, the result went the way it usually does for Pep Guardiola’s side. The difference this time? An 18-year-old slipped into the story, and his senior striker walked off the pitch convinced the club “have a gem here.”
If Bouaddi grows into that label, nights like this will be remembered as the quiet beginning of something serious.
