Fernandez relishing link-up with ‘beast’ Haaland

Syndicated reporting provided by Stats Perform and reviewed by the SoccerNews editorial team.

Enzo Fernandez says Erling Haaland is an “animal” and a “beast” as he looks forward to growing their partnership at Manchester City.

City kicked off their Champions League campaign with a 2-0 win over Porto, with Haaland netting a second-half brace to secure all three points.

Fernandez set up the Norwegian’s first goal, getting an assist in just his second start for City following his big-money move from Chelsea.

As for Haaland, he has now scored 42 goals in 39 appearances in the group stage/league phase of the Champions League, the most of any player since his first season in the competition in 2019-20.

He also netted his 36th goal for City in the competition, equalling Sergio Aguero with the joint-most for the Citizens.

And Fernandez was full of praise for his team-mate’s incredible knack for goalscoring.

“Erling Haaland is an animal. He is a beast, so every time he is on the pitch, I’m going to look for him, and hopefully give him many more assists,” Fernandez said.

“It is not just about the player he is; he is also an amazing human being, and he has really welcomed me in and helped me.

“I’m so happy that they [Man City players] welcome me as soon as I walked through the door. They are not just brilliant players; it’s about the human beings that they are.

“They have all been so kind to me, and the fans as well have been absolutely brilliant, welcoming me in what is a new step in my career. I’m so excited to get going.”

Top performance, Enzo pic.twitter.com/ds0f207tpS

— Manchester City (@ManCity) September 8, 2026

Porto have lost their first match in four of their last seven Champions League seasons (W1 D2), this after only losing their opener in three of their first 21 campaigns in the competition beforehand.

They have now lost 21 matches against English sides in the competition, the most defeats any club has suffered to opponents from a specific nation.

“I think we played a very, very good game,” Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa told UEFA.

“We were very competitive. Even after going 1-0 down, I think we showed courage and tried to cause City problems.

“Because we pushed so hard, we then conceded another goal when we were more tired but still trying to give our best.”

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