Manchester City ease to win over Villarreal

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Villarreal 0 - 2 Manchester City

Erling Haaland found the net for a 12th consecutive game to extend his incredible scoring streak and help City end their winless away run in the Champions League

Author | Macca

Stadium | Estadio de la Cerámica

Champions League | Villareal v Manchester City | Views from the stands

Haaland's blistering form has brought 24 goals in 14 games for club and country this season, and here it helped City claim three points on the road in Europe for the first time in over a year.

The Norwegian's goal to open the scoring was that of a striker with deadly instincts, darting ahead of marker Juan Foyth and converting with a first-time finish from Rico Lewis' low cross.

City had opportunities from the off - Haaland headed wide inside two minutes and Jeremy Doku tested Luiz Junior within the first few seconds with a low strike that the home goalkeeper batted away.

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Pep Guardiola's side dominated the first half and captain Bernardo Silva deservedly doubled the advantage before half-time, planting a free header into the net from Savinho's cross.

Villarreal attempted to get back into the game in the second half as Pape Gueye stung the palms of Gianluigi Donnarumma and former Chelsea defender Renato Veiga headed against the post late on, but City were victorious.

Guardiola's side building momentum

Tuesday’s victory at Villarreal extended Manchester City’s unbeaten run in all competitions to nine matches, leaving them well placed in fifth in the league phase after two wins and a draw from three outings.

It already marks a clear improvement on last season’s European campaign, when they finished 22nd overall and were forced into the play-offs, where they were eliminated by Real Madrid.

City will face the Spanish giants again in December on their next European trip, buoyed by ending a run of five away games without a win in the competition. Their last success on the road came on 1 October 2024, a 4-0 victory over Slovan Bratislava, and they looked in full control throughout against Villarreal.

The early pressure set the tone, and two first-half goals allowed City to dictate the rhythm and comfortably manage proceedings after the break, reflecting their growing assurance.

Erling Haaland continues to relish facing Spanish opposition, with nine goals in as many appearances against La Liga sides, while Pep Guardiola’s fine record against Villarreal also remains intact after nine unbeaten meetings.

Location: Carrer Blasco Ibáñez, 2, 12540 Vila-real, Castelló, Spain

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