Bouaddi after Porto: “We played our game”

Ayyoub Bouaddi savored Manchester City’s victory on the pitch of FC Porto (0-2) on Tuesday night, during the first day of the Champions League. Starting for the first time since his arrival at the Citizens, the Moroccan midfielder emphasized the patience displayed by his team to make the difference after the break.

“In this match, we had to be patient, and we were. Porto is a very good team,” Bouaddi said to Manchester City’s official media. Despite several chances thwarted by Diogo Costa in the first half, Enzo Maresca’s men maintained their control before finding the breakthrough thanks to Erling Haaland: “We were patient, we played our game, and everything went well, so we are happy.”

The young Moroccan international also highlighted the importance of starting this new European campaign with a victory: “It is very important to start well. That is what matters in this competition, and that is what we did. We are really happy and proud, and we want to continue like this.”

Substituted in the 76th minute by Mateo Kovačić, Bouaddi completed 54 of his 55 passes, achieving a passing accuracy of 98%, while also making seven recoveries. Haaland then secured the win for City with a brace scored in the 47th minute and in stoppage time. A convincing first start for the Moroccan, who displayed a lot of composure in the heart of Manchester’s midfield.