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The Spanish side became the most recent team to fall to the Norwegian striker, who netted in his 9th consecutive Manchester City match. The visitors claimed a relatively easy 2-0 win in Spain, with Bernardo Silva contributing a second in a opening 45 minutes of evident dominance. Although the home team had moments in the second half, they created little sustained danger. When the forward was withdrawn late on, relief spread through the stadium—his damage had already been inflicted.

Commanding Start from City

City began brightly, with Haaland, Savinho, and Jérémy Doku linking up to force Luíz Júnior into an early stop. Only later, Haaland directed a opportunity just wide. Pep Guardiola employed a flexible formation, at times resembling a 3-2-4-1, with the defender dropping into defense when needed. The visitors commanded sixty-nine percent of possession in the first half, though their dominance felt even greater.

Villarreal Struggle to Cope

The Villarreal squad seemed struggling to decipher City's movements. Villarreal relied on a deep line and quick breaks, but City exceeded them in athleticism and skill. The only glimpses of threat from the hosts were quickly snuffed out, with the defender denying Georges Mikautadze and Pape Gueye firing wide.

Composure proved crucial for Manchester City, particularly in the lead-up to the opening goal.

Opening Goal Highlights City's Patience

That first goal on seventeen minutes epitomized City's calmness. Savinho and Stones exchanged passes multiple times on the right, drawing the defense out. Then, the tempo shifted—slow movement turned into a quick exchange, Lewis surging into the box and pulling back for the forward to finish.

Another Header Seals the Win

The next goal was even straightforward. Once more, Savinho delivered a cross from the wing, and Bernardo Silva drifted free to head in from point-blank.

Second Half Brings Momentary Fightback

Although the hosts showed some life in the second half—with Pépé and others testing the City keeper—City largely kept control. The striker came close twice, once with a strong shot and then with a placed attempt, but the keeper denied him each time.

• Haaland has now found the net in nine straight matches.
• City controlled possession with 69% in the first half.
• Villarreal managed only a handful of attempts on target.

In the end, it was a professional display from City, as they carry on their impressive form in Europe.