Enzo Maresca selected the youngster in a City starting team for the first time, at a loud and hostile Estádio do Dragão in Portugal.
But the new signing remained unfazed in an assured midfield display for 75 minutes, having 71 touches of the ball, boasting a 95% pass accuracy rate and winning 100% of his tackles.
FERNÁNDEZ: ‘HAALAND IS A BEAST!’
Despite Haaland’s brace making him City’s all-time third top scorer and securing the important three points on the night, the striker made special mention of Bouaddi’s performance and his work ethic on the training pitch.
“That’s not bad that!” said Haaland in his interview after being told about his recent new record.
“I think he [Bouaddi] did a really good game. In training, he’s been amazing. I just told the chairman, he’s been amazing.
“I think we’ve got a gem there to be honest. I think he should have played me through in the second half, I was all alone, so I was a bit angry so I’ll tell him now!
“He played a good game, except that pass!”
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After going a goal down, the hosts, who had been unbeaten at home across all competitions in 2026 prior to City’s visit, tried to force an equaliser but Maresca’s men remained resolute to weather the storm.
Haaland reserved some praise for the Portuguese champions and encouraged City to continue playing with a winning mentality after winning all four of our matches this season.
“Amazing game against the champions of Portugal. We knew it was going to be a difficult fight,” he continued. “They’re a top team. Honestly, impressive, all of them.
“They play amazing football so well done to them. As all the pressure, we had to deliver on the biggest stage and we did that today.
“These are the games we have to win. We’ve had a great start to the season. In the Champions League you have to win games. If not, suddenly you get all the pressure and then you never know what will happen.
“We have to learn, Maresca has to demand a lot from us and we have to demand a lot from each other and we have to win games. At City you have to win games and win trophies.
“We won away in a difficult game, look at this atmosphere it was unreal at times. I hope he’s happy.”
