🔗 Share this article Erling Haaland Irresistible as Manchester City Defeat the Yellow Submarine The Spanish side became the latest team to fall to the Norwegian striker, who netted in his ninth consecutive City fixture. Pep Guardiola's men claimed a relatively easy 2-0 victory in Spain, with Bernardo Silva contributing a second in a first half of clear superiority. Although the hosts had moments in the second period, they posed minimal consistent danger. When Haaland was substituted late on, a collective sigh spread through the stadium—his damage had already been done. Dominant Opening from City The English side started sharply, with Haaland, the winger, and Jérémy Doku linking up to force the Villarreal keeper into an early save. Only later, the striker directed a chance past the post. The City manager employed a flexible setup, sometimes looking like a three-man defense, with John Stones dropping back to defense when needed. City enjoyed sixty-nine percent of the ball in the first half, although their control appeared even greater. Villarreal Find It Tough to Cope Marcelino's squad appeared struggling to read City's patterns. Villarreal relied on a deep line and fast breaks, but City matched them in physicality and skill. The only glimpses of threat from the Yellow Submarine were quickly snuffed out, with the defender stopping Mikautadze and Gueye shooting off target. Composure proved key for City, especially in the lead-up to the opening goal. Opening Strike Demonstrates City's Control That first goal on seventeen minutes epitomized City's composure. Savinho and John Stones exchanged passes multiple times on the right flank, pulling Villarreal wide. Suddenly, the tempo changed—slow passing turned into a rapid exchange, Lewis bursting into the area and squaring for Haaland to tap in. Second Goal Seals the Victory City's second strike was more straightforward. Again, the winger sent in a ball from the right, and Silva drifted free to head home from close range. Second Half Sees Brief Fightback Although the hosts displayed a bit of life in the second half—with Pépé and teammates testing the City keeper—the visitors largely maintained command. Haaland came close twice, first with a strong effort and later with a placed attempt, but LuÃz Júnior denied him each time. The Norwegian has now scored in 9 straight games. City controlled possession with 69% in the first half. Villarreal recorded only a few of shots on target. Ultimately, it was a professional display from Manchester City, as they carry on their impressive form in the Champions League.