🔗 Share this article Haaland Irresistible as Manchester City Defeat the Yellow Submarine Villarreal became the most recent team to fall to the Norwegian striker, who scored in his 9th consecutive Manchester City match. Pep Guardiola's men claimed a relatively easy 2-0 victory in Spain, with the Portuguese midfielder contributing a second in a first half of clear superiority. While the home team had moments in the second half, they posed little sustained threat. After the forward was withdrawn late on, relief swept through the stadium—his damage had long been inflicted. Dominant Start from City The English side began brightly, with Haaland, the winger, and Doku combining to force the Villarreal keeper into an first-minute save. Only moments, the striker headed a chance just wide. The City manager used a fluid setup, at times resembling a 3-2-4-1, with John Stones dropping back to the back line when required. City commanded 69% of the ball in the first half, though their control appeared even greater. The Home Side Find It Tough to Keep Up The Villarreal squad seemed struggling to decipher their opponents' patterns. They opted for a deep block and fast breaks, but the away side matched them in athleticism and skill. Any hints of danger from the hosts were swiftly snuffed out, with Rúben Dias denying Georges Mikautadze and Pape Gueye firing off target. Composure proved crucial for City, especially in the build-up to the first strike. Opening Strike Demonstrates Their Control The first goal on seventeen minutes showcased City's calmness. Savinho and Stones exchanged the ball multiple times on the right flank, pulling Villarreal wide. Suddenly, the pace shifted—patient movement turned into a quick exchange, Lewis surging into the area and squaring for Haaland to tap in. Second Header Confirms the Victory City's second goal was even simple. Again, Savinho delivered a cross from the wing, and Bernardo Silva drifted free to head in from close range. After the Break Brings Momentary Resistance While Villarreal displayed a bit of fight in the second period—with Nicolas Pépé and teammates testing Gianluigi Donnarumma—City largely maintained control. Haaland went close twice, first with a strong shot and then with a placed strike, but the keeper denied him both times. The Norwegian has now scored in nine consecutive matches. City controlled the ball with sixty-nine percent in the opening half. Villarreal recorded only a handful of shots on target. Ultimately, it was a professional display from City, as they continue their impressive form in the Champions League.