UCL: Haaland Brace, Mbappé, Valverde Goals Power Madrid, City to Victory

Erling Haaland’s second-half brace helped Manchester City begin their 2026/27 UEFA Champions League campaign with a 2-0 victory over Porto, while Real Madrid defeated Inter Milan 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Haaland struck shortly after halftime and added a second in stoppage time to settle a competitive encounter at the Estádio do Dragão. His goals ensured City returned from Portugal with maximum points despite facing periods of pressure from the hosts.

The Norwegian opened the scoring in the 47th minute, heading in a cross from Matheus Nunes. He then completed his brace in the first minute of added time after being set up by Rayan Aït-Nouri.

The double took Haaland to 59 goals in 59 Champions League appearances, underlining his remarkable record in Europe’s premier club competition.

At the Santiago Bernabéu, Real Madrid secured their first three points of the campaign with a 2-1 win over Inter.

Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring in the 14th minute after Brahim Díaz recovered possession and supplied the French forward, who finished past Inter goalkeeper Josep Martínez.

Federico Valverde doubled Madrid’s advantage nine minutes later after capitalising on another defensive error. The Uruguayan midfielder pressed high, won possession from Martínez and finished to put the hosts 2-0 ahead.

Inter dominated possession for significant periods and created several opportunities, but Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois produced a series of important saves to keep his side in front.

The visitors eventually reduced the deficit in the 76th minute when Carlos Augusto converted Lautaro Martínez’s cross.

Inter pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages, but Madrid held firm to claim all three points.

The victories gave both European heavyweights strong starts to the new Champions League league phase. Haaland’s goals also reinforced Manchester City’s attacking threat, while Mbappé and Valverde ensured Madrid made the most of Inter’s costly mistakes.

The opening night also saw Aston Villa defeat Club Brugge 3-2, Borussia Dortmund beat Villarreal 3-2, Real Betis overcome Lille 3-2 and AEK Athens defeat LASK Linz 1-0.

The Champions League league-phase action continues with more fixtures on Wednesday and Thursday as clubs compete for positions in the knockout stages.