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The Spanish side became the latest team to fall to the Norwegian striker, who netted in his 9th consecutive City fixture. Pep Guardiola's men secured a largely comfortable 2-0 win in the Cerámica, with the Portuguese midfielder contributing a second in a opening 45 minutes of evident dominance. While the hosts had chances in the second period, they posed minimal sustained danger. After Haaland was withdrawn late on, relief swept through the ground—his damage had long been done.

Commanding Opening from City

The English side started sharply, with the number nine, the winger, and Doku linking up to force the Villarreal keeper into an early stop. Only later, the striker directed a opportunity just wide. Pep Guardiola used a flexible formation, sometimes looking like a three-man defense, with John Stones moving back to defense when required. The visitors commanded 69% of possession in the first half, though their dominance felt more pronounced.

Villarreal Find It Tough to Cope

The Villarreal team seemed struggling to decipher City's movements. Villarreal relied on a defensive line and quick breaks, but the away side exceeded them in physicality and technique. Any hints of threat from the Yellow Submarine were quickly snuffed out, with the defender denying Georges Mikautadze and Gueye firing off target.

Patience proved crucial for Manchester City, particularly in the build-up to the first strike.

First Goal Highlights Their Patience

That opening goal on seventeen minutes showcased the team's calmness. The Brazilian and John Stones swapped passes repeatedly on the right flank, drawing Villarreal out. Then, the pace changed—slow movement turned into a rapid sequence, Lewis bursting into the area and squaring for Haaland to finish.

Second Header Confirms the Win

The second strike was more straightforward. Once more, Savinho delivered a cross from the right, and Silva arrived free to head home from point-blank.

After the Break Sees Brief Fightback

While the hosts showed some fight in the second period—with Nicolas Pépé and teammates testing Gianluigi Donnarumma—the visitors largely kept command. The striker went close twice, once with a powerful shot and later with a guided strike, but the keeper saved him both times.

• The Norwegian has now scored in nine consecutive games.
• Manchester City controlled the ball with sixty-nine percent in the opening 45 minutes.
• The Spanish team managed only a few of attempts on target.

Ultimately, it was a professional display from Manchester City, who carry on their strong form in Europe.