Erling Haaland's second-half brace made it four wins from four across all competitions for City, but the opening 45 minutes saw Diogo Costa deny the visitors repeatedly, leaving Enzo Maresca's side to show patience rather than panic. Bouaddi, handed his full debut at 18, said that quality was exactly what carried City through.
"In this game we had to be patient, we were patient," he told City Studios after the match.
"They're a really good team, Porto. We were patient, we played our game, and everything happened well so we are happy. It's really important to start well. That's what matters in this league.
" That's what we did. We're really happy and proud and want to keep going like this."
Enzo Fernández, making his first appearance since his deadline-day move from Chelsea, provided the assist for one of Haaland's goals and spoke warmly of his reception since arriving.
"I'm so happy that they welcome me as soon as I walked through the door. They are not just brilliant players, it's about the human beings that they are," he said. "They have all been so kind to me, and the fans as well have been absolutely brilliant welcoming me in what is a new step in my career. I'm so excited to get going."
On his blossoming partnership with Haaland, the Argentine added: "Erling Haaland is an animal. He is a beast, so every time he is on the pitch, I'm going to look for him, and hopefully give him many more assists. It is not just about the player he is, he is also an amazing human being, and he has really welcomed me in and helped me."
Fernández also reflected on being reunited with Maresca, who managed him at Chelsea.
"I'm so happy that Enzo Maresca did all he could to make this move happen. He knows me so well from our time at Chelsea, and I'm so grateful for everything that he has done for me and my family. I'm going to give 100% in every training session, in every match so I can repay him."
Haaland, whose double took his season tally further, described the win as a test City had to pass.
"It was a difficult fight, man against man. They are a top team, honestly they are impressive. They play amazing football so well done to them, but with all the pressure we had to deliver on the biggest stage. That's what we did today," he said. "I think honestly we controlled the first half. A bit uncomfortable when they came a bit high, but we created a lot of chances. I could've easily had a lot more goals, but second half we scored and they pushed us for a good 25 minutes, but again we managed to hold through and then finish the game.
"I think these are the games that we have to win, and we have had a great start to the season. In the Champions League you have to win games because if not you suddenly get all the pressure and then you never know what's going to happen."
The Norwegian was also full of praise for his new midfield partner, albeit with one good-natured complaint.
"I think he played a very good game. Last couple of weeks in training, I told the chairman that he has been amazing, so I think we have a gem here," Haaland said of Bouaddi. "But to be honest, I think he should've played me through in the second half when I was all alone. I was a bit angry, so I will tell him right now, he played a good game, except that pass."
On the demands of playing for City, he added: "We have to demand a lot from each other, and we have to win games. At Man City you have to win games and you have to win trophies."
Asked whether Maresca would be satisfied with the night's work, Haaland said: "I hope so. We win away with a difficult game. Look at this atmosphere, it was unreal at times. I hope he's happy."