🔗 Share this article Haaland Unstoppable as Manchester City Overpower the Yellow Submarine The Spanish side became the latest team to fall to Erling Haaland, who scored in his ninth straight City fixture. The visitors claimed a largely comfortable 2-0 win in the Cerámica, with the Portuguese midfielder adding a second goal in a first half of clear superiority. Although the hosts had moments in the second period, they posed minimal sustained threat. After the forward was withdrawn late on, a collective sigh swept through the stadium—his damage had long been inflicted. Dominant Opening from Manchester City The English side started sharply, with the number nine, the winger, and Doku linking up to force Luíz Júnior into an first-minute save. Just later, the striker headed a chance just wide. Pep Guardiola used a flexible setup, sometimes looking like a 3-2-4-1, with John Stones dropping back to defense when required. City commanded 69% of possession in the opening period, although their control felt more pronounced. Villarreal Struggle to Keep Up Marcelino's squad seemed unable to decipher City's patterns. Villarreal opted for a deep block and fast breaks, but City exceeded them in physicality and technique. Any glimpses of danger from the hosts were quickly snuffed out, with Rúben Dias denying Georges Mikautadze and Gueye firing off target. Patience was key for City, especially in the build-up to the first goal. Opening Goal Highlights Their Patience That opening goal on seventeen minutes showcased City's composure. Savinho and John Stones swapped the ball multiple times on the right, drawing Villarreal out. Then, the pace shifted—patient passing turned into a quick sequence, Lewis surging into the box and pulling back for the forward to tap in. Another Goal Seals the Victory City's second goal was even straightforward. Once more, Savinho sent in a ball from the wing, and Bernardo Silva drifted free to nod home from point-blank. After the Break Sees Brief Fightback Although the hosts showed some fight in the second period—with Pépé and others challenging Gianluigi Donnarumma—the visitors largely maintained command. Haaland went close twice, once with a powerful shot and then with a guided strike, but Luíz Júnior denied him each time. Haaland has now found the net in nine consecutive games. Manchester City dominated the ball with sixty-nine percent in the opening 45 minutes. Villarreal recorded only a few of shots on goal. Ultimately, it was a professional performance from City, as they carry on their strong run in the Champions League.