🔗 Share this article

Villarreal became the latest team to fall to Erling Haaland, who scored in his 9th straight Manchester City match. Pep Guardiola's men secured a largely comfortable 2-0 victory in Spain, with Bernardo Silva adding a second goal in a first half of evident superiority. Although the home team had chances in the second half, they created little sustained threat. After Haaland was withdrawn late on, a collective sigh swept through the ground—the impact had already been inflicted.

Dominant Start from City

The English side started brightly, with Haaland, the winger, and Doku combining to force the Villarreal keeper into an early stop. Just moments, Haaland directed a chance past the post. The City manager employed a fluid formation, sometimes looking like a three-man defense, with John Stones moving into the back line when needed. The visitors enjoyed 69% of possession in the opening period, although their dominance felt even greater.

Villarreal Struggle to Cope

The Villarreal squad appeared struggling to decipher their opponents' patterns. Villarreal relied on a defensive line and quick breaks, but the away side exceeded them in physicality and skill. Any hints of threat from the hosts were swiftly dealt with, with the defender denying Georges Mikautadze and Gueye shooting off target.

Composure proved key for Manchester City, especially in the build-up to the first goal.

Opening Goal Highlights Their Control

The opening goal on 17 minutes epitomized City's calmness. The Brazilian and John Stones swapped the ball repeatedly on the right flank, pulling the defense out. Suddenly, the pace changed—slow passing turned into a quick exchange, Rico Lewis bursting into the area and squaring for the forward to finish.

Another Header Confirms the Win

City's next strike was more straightforward. Again, Savinho sent in a ball from the wing, and Bernardo Silva arrived free to nod home from close range.

After the Break Sees Brief Fightback

While Villarreal displayed some life in the second period—with Nicolas Pépé and others testing Gianluigi Donnarumma—the visitors mostly kept control. Haaland came close twice, first with a powerful effort and later with a guided strike, but Luíz Júnior saved him each time.

• Haaland has now scored in 9 consecutive matches.
• City controlled possession with 69% in the opening half.
• The Spanish team recorded only a few of attempts on target.

Ultimately, it was a professional performance from Manchester City, who carry on their impressive form in the Champions League.