🔗 Share this article Haaland Irresistible as City Defeat Villarreal The Spanish side became the latest team to fall to Erling Haaland, who netted in his 9th straight Manchester City match. Pep Guardiola's men secured a relatively easy 2-0 victory in the Cerámica, with Bernardo Silva adding a second goal in a first half of evident superiority. Although the hosts had moments in the second period, they created minimal consistent danger. After Haaland was withdrawn late on, a collective sigh swept through the ground—his impact had long been done. Commanding Start from City The English side began sharply, with Haaland, Savinho, and Jérémy Doku linking up to test the Villarreal keeper into an first-minute save. Just later, Haaland headed a opportunity just wide. Pep Guardiola employed a flexible formation, at times looking like a 3-2-4-1, with John Stones moving into the back line when needed. City enjoyed 69% of possession in the first half, although their dominance appeared more pronounced. Villarreal Find It Tough to Keep Up Marcelino's squad appeared unable to decipher City's movements. They opted for a deep line and quick counterattacks, but City exceeded them in athleticism and skill. Any hints of threat from the Yellow Submarine were swiftly dealt with, with the defender denying Mikautadze and Pape Gueye shooting wide. Composure was crucial for Manchester City, especially in the build-up to the opening goal. Opening Goal Highlights Their Control The opening goal on 17 minutes epitomized the team's calmness. The Brazilian and John Stones swapped the ball multiple times on the right flank, pulling the defense out. Suddenly, the tempo changed—patient movement turned into a rapid exchange, Rico Lewis bursting into the box and pulling back for Haaland to tap in. Another Header Confirms the Victory The next strike was even straightforward. Once more, Savinho sent in a ball from the wing, and Bernardo Silva arrived unmarked to head in from close range. After the Break Sees Brief Fightback While the hosts showed some life in the second period—with Pépé and others challenging Gianluigi Donnarumma—City largely kept command. Haaland went close twice, once with a powerful effort and then with a placed strike, but the keeper saved him both times. Haaland has now scored in 9 straight games. Manchester City dominated possession with 69% in the first 45 minutes. The Spanish team recorded only a handful of shots on target. Ultimately, it was a efficient performance from Manchester City, who carry on their strong run in the Champions League.