City begin their Champions League campaign in Porto tonight, and Enzo Maresca knows his side could hardly have been handed a gentler introduction.
Porto have lost just one of their last 14 European matches at the Estádio do Dragão, winning 10 and drawing three. It is a record Maresca was keen to point out ahead of tonight’s league-phase opener.
Maresca wary of Porto test
“It’s a hard place to come; a difficult place to come,” said the City boss.
“They have started really well. In the last 14/15 games in Europe they lost just one; that shows a difficult place to come, but we will try our best and try to win the game.”
The precise UEFA numbers back him up: Porto’s last 14 European home matches have brought 10 wins, three draws and just that solitary defeat.
Francesco Farioli’s side have started the season strongly too, while Maresca described them as a “very, very good team” and highlighted their aggression both with and without the ball.
There is another number City will be keen to improve. They have lost six of their last nine Champions League away matches, winning just twice in that run.
On the other hand, Porto have won only two of their last 16 games against English opposition, while City have lost only two of 11 against Portuguese sides.
Maresca’s side head to the Dragão with a 100 per cent Premier League record after three matches. Maintaining it in Europe tonight will mean overcoming one of the stronger home records in the competition.
For everything you need ahead of kick-off, take a look at our Porto v City TV and match guide.
For updates on City throughout the season, take a look at our LIVE! Premier League 2026/27 News, Transfers, Updates & Viral Moments page.
