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The Spanish side became the most recent team to fall to the Norwegian striker, who netted in his 9th straight City fixture. The visitors secured a largely comfortable 2-0 win in the Cerámica, with the Portuguese midfielder adding a second in a opening 45 minutes of evident superiority. Although the home team had chances in the second period, they posed little consistent threat. After Haaland was substituted late on, relief spread through the stadium—the damage had already been done.

Commanding Start from Manchester City

The English side started brightly, with Haaland, the winger, and Doku linking up to test Luíz Júnior into an early stop. Only later, the striker headed a opportunity just wide. Pep Guardiola employed a flexible setup, sometimes looking like a 3-2-4-1, with John Stones dropping into defense when required. The visitors enjoyed sixty-nine percent of the ball in the first half, although their dominance felt even greater.

The Home Side Find It Tough to Keep Up

Marcelino's squad appeared struggling to decipher their opponents' movements. They relied on a defensive line and fast breaks, but City matched them in athleticism and technique. The only glimpses of danger from the hosts were quickly snuffed out, with the defender denying Mikautadze and Gueye firing off target.

Composure was crucial for Manchester City, especially in the lead-up to the opening strike.

Opening Goal Demonstrates City's Patience

That opening goal on 17 minutes epitomized City's composure. The Brazilian and John Stones swapped passes repeatedly on the right flank, pulling Villarreal out. Then, the tempo changed—patient passing turned into a quick sequence, Lewis surging into the area and squaring for Haaland to tap in.

Second Goal Confirms the Victory

The next goal was more straightforward. Again, Savinho sent in a cross from the right, and Bernardo Silva arrived unmarked to head in from point-blank.

After the Break Brings Brief Resistance

While Villarreal displayed some life in the second half—with Nicolas Pépé and others testing Gianluigi Donnarumma—the visitors largely kept command. The striker went close twice, once with a strong shot and then with a guided 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 first 45 minutes.
• The Spanish team recorded only a few of shots on target.

In the end, it was a professional performance from City, who continue their impressive run in Europe.