Manchester City began their UEFA Champions League campaign with a statement performance, defeating Napoli 2-0 at the Etihad Stadium on Thursday night . Goals from Erling Haaland and Jeremy Doku sealed the victory as Pep Guardiola's side overcame an early challenge against the Serie A champions as reported by Softfootball .
The night had added significance with the emotional return of Kevin De Bruyne who was greeted with rapturous applause and banners in his honour. However, the Belgian's involvement was short-lived as Antonio Conte sacrificed him after Giovanni Di Lorenzo's red card forced Napoli into an early chage.
Napoli's resistance was largely thanks to goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic who produced a string of excellent saves to keep City at bay until the breakthrough came early in the second half. Phil Foden's clever flick set up Haaland for his 50th Champions League goal, before Doku's dazzling solo run doubled the lead capping off a dominant display.