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City return to the Dragao looking to pick up three points in their 2026-27 UEFA Champions League opening clash. Enzo Maresca's side travel to Porto on Tuesday, September 8, 2026 for Matchday 1 of the Champions League league phase, with kick-off at 8pm local time (8pm BST).
It will be City's first competitive match in Porto since that famous final and the opening night of their latest attempt to reclaim European football's biggest prize.
There is an added layer of intrigue around the fixture. Maresca knows the city and Portuguese football well, although his managerial career has taken him from Parma and Leicester City to Chelsea and now Manchester City. The Italian also has previous links with City, having worked at the club as an academy coach before joining Guardiola's first-team staff. He is now tasked with beginning a new era at the Etihad following Guardiola's departure.
Porto, meanwhile, head into the new Champions League campaign under Francesco Farioli. The Italian has established himself as one of European football's most interesting young coaches after spells with Nice and Ajax before taking charge at the Dragao. He extended his Porto contract until 2028 in January 2026, underlining the club's confidence in his long-term project.
Farioli's side also enter the fixture as reigning Portuguese champions, having finished top of the Primeira Liga in 2025-26 with 88 points, ahead of Sporting CP and Benfica.
For Manchester City fans making the trip, Porto offers one of the most appealing away days in European football. The city is compact enough to explore largely on foot, while the historic centre, Ribeira waterfront and port wine lodges of Vila Nova de Gaia provide plenty to see and do away from the football.
The Estadio do Dragao is also one of Europe's great modern football grounds, with a capacity of just over 50,000 and a reputation for a formidable atmosphere on European nights.
For supporters travelling from England, Porto is easily accessible by air and the city's Metro system provides a straightforward connection between the airport, the centre and the stadium. That means there is little need to hire a car, making it possible to spend the day exploring the city before making the relatively short journey to the Dragao.
Whether you are travelling for a long weekend or flying in and out around the match, there is plenty to make this a memorable European away day.
Football Ground Guide takes a look at everything Manchester City fans need to know before travelling to Porto for the Champions League opener.
How many Man City fans are going to Porto?
Manchester City are yet to receive official word from Porto over their allocation for the match at the Estadio do Dragao. However, we can take an educated guess based on what other English teams have received when they've played here in recent years.
In 2024, Porto welcomed both Manchester United and Arsenal to their home, and both clubs received around 2,500 tickets. This is 5% of the stadium's capacity, so Man City can expect the same.
If this is the figure, City should have no problem selling the allocation.
Where will Man City fans sit at the Estadio do Dragao?
City fans will be placed in the upper tier of the Estadio do Dragao, as it customary in European football. This is a deliberate ploy to try to make visiting teams feel alone on the pitch. The away section is located in the north east of the stadium, specifically gates 19 and 20.
The view of the action here is very good. The stadium was built in the 21st century, so there are no supporting pillars blocking sightlines.
Full fans' matchday guide for Man City away
Where to eat & drink for Man City fans in Porto
Porto is a stunning city, famous for port, so make sure you try a glass of locally produced wine while you're in the city. Aside from that, the best pubs for British football fans in Porto include:
- Bonoparte downtown – P. de Guilherme Gomes Fernandes 40, 4050-150 Porto, Portugal
- Base Porto – Quiosque Jardim, Passeio dos Clerigos, R. das Carmelitas 151, 4050-163 Porto, Portugal
- St Oliver's – R. de Santo Ildefonso 233, 4000-470 Porto, Portugal
How to get to the Estadio do Dragao: Guide for Man City fans in Porto
Walking from the city centre to the stadium is a viable option. The stadium is around 3.5km away from the most central point of the city, and there are countless bars, pubs and restaurants en route for pit stops. For those who would rather use public transport, take full advantage of the Porto Metro.
To get to the Estadio do Dragao via the metro, here are your options:
- Line F ORANGE (Fanzeres ⇄ Senhora da Hora)
- Line A BLUE (Estadio do Dragao ⇄ Senhor de Matosinhos)
- Line B RED (Estadio do Dragao ⇄ Póvoa de Varzim)
- Line E VIOLET (Estadio do Dragao ⇄ Airport)