🔗 Share this article Haaland Irresistible as Manchester City Defeat the Yellow Submarine The Spanish side became the latest team to fall to Erling Haaland, who scored in his ninth straight City match. Pep Guardiola's men secured a relatively easy 2-0 victory in the Cerámica, with the Portuguese midfielder adding a second in a opening 45 minutes of evident dominance. While the hosts had moments in the second half, they created minimal consistent threat. After Haaland was withdrawn late on, relief swept through the ground—his damage had long been done. Commanding Start from City City began sharply, with the number nine, Savinho, and Doku linking up to force the Villarreal keeper into an first-minute stop. Only later, the striker directed a opportunity past the post. Pep Guardiola used a fluid formation, sometimes looking like a three-man defense, with the defender moving back to the back line when required. The visitors enjoyed sixty-nine percent of possession in the first half, although their control felt more pronounced. The Home Side Find It Tough to Keep Up The Villarreal squad seemed unable to read City's patterns. Villarreal opted for a deep block and quick counterattacks, but the away side matched them in athleticism and technique. The only hints of threat from the Yellow Submarine were swiftly snuffed out, with the defender denying Georges Mikautadze and Gueye firing off target. Composure was key for Manchester City, especially in the lead-up to the first goal. First Strike Highlights Their Patience The opening goal on seventeen minutes epitomized the team's calmness. Savinho and John Stones exchanged the ball repeatedly on the right flank, pulling Villarreal out. Suddenly, the tempo changed—slow movement turned into a quick exchange, Lewis surging into the area and squaring for the forward to finish. Second Header Confirms the Win The next strike was even straightforward. Once more, the winger sent in a cross from the wing, and Bernardo Silva arrived unmarked to nod in from close range. Second Half Sees Momentary Resistance While Villarreal showed some life in the second half—with Pépé and others testing Gianluigi Donnarumma—City largely kept command. The striker went close on two occasions, first with a strong shot and later with a guided attempt, but LuÃz Júnior denied him both times. The Norwegian has now scored in nine consecutive matches. City dominated possession with sixty-nine percent in the opening 45 minutes. The Spanish team recorded only a handful of attempts on goal. Ultimately, it was a professional performance from Manchester City, as they continue their strong form in the Champions League.