đź”— Share this article Haaland Unstoppable as City Defeat Villarreal The Spanish side became the most recent team to succumb to the Norwegian striker, who scored in his 9th consecutive City fixture. Pep Guardiola's men secured a relatively easy 2-0 victory in Spain, with the Portuguese midfielder contributing a second in a first half of evident dominance. While the hosts had chances in the second half, they posed little consistent threat. After Haaland was substituted late on, relief swept through the ground—the damage had long been inflicted. Dominant Start from Manchester City City started sharply, with the number nine, Savinho, and Doku combining to force the Villarreal keeper into an first-minute save. Only later, the striker directed a chance just wide. The City manager employed a flexible setup, sometimes looking like a 3-2-4-1, with John Stones moving into the back line when required. City commanded sixty-nine percent of possession in the first half, although their dominance appeared even greater. The Home Side Struggle to Cope The Villarreal team appeared struggling to read their opponents' movements. Villarreal relied on a defensive line and quick breaks, but City exceeded them in physicality and technique. The only hints of danger from the hosts were quickly dealt with, with the defender stopping Georges Mikautadze and Pape Gueye shooting wide. Composure was key for Manchester City, particularly in the build-up to the opening goal. First Strike Highlights Their Patience That first goal on seventeen minutes showcased City's calmness. The Brazilian and Stones swapped the ball repeatedly on the right flank, drawing Villarreal out. Then, the pace shifted—slow movement turned into a rapid sequence, Lewis bursting into the box and pulling back for the forward to tap in. Another Header Seals the Victory City's next goal was even simple. Again, Savinho sent in a ball from the wing, and Bernardo Silva arrived unmarked to nod in from point-blank. Second Half Sees Brief Fightback Although Villarreal showed a bit of fight in the second half—with PĂ©pĂ© and others testing Gianluigi Donnarumma—the visitors largely kept control. Haaland went close on two occasions, once with a strong shot and then with a guided attempt, but LuĂz JĂşnior saved him each time. The Norwegian has now found the net in 9 straight games. City dominated possession with 69% in the opening half. Villarreal managed only a few of shots on goal. Ultimately, it was a professional performance from Manchester City, who carry on their strong form in Europe.