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The Spanish side became the latest team to fall to the Norwegian striker, who scored in his ninth consecutive Manchester City fixture. Pep Guardiola's men secured a relatively easy 2-0 win in Spain, with the Portuguese midfielder contributing a second goal in a opening 45 minutes of evident dominance. Although the hosts had chances in the second half, they created little sustained threat. After Haaland was withdrawn late on, relief swept through the ground—the damage had already been done.

Commanding Start from City

City began sharply, with Haaland, the winger, and Jérémy Doku linking up to test the Villarreal keeper into an first-minute stop. Just moments, Haaland directed a chance just wide. The City manager employed a fluid setup, sometimes looking like a 3-2-4-1, with the defender moving back to the back line when required. The visitors enjoyed 69% of the ball in the opening period, although their control appeared more pronounced.

Villarreal Struggle to Keep Up

Marcelino's squad seemed struggling to read City's patterns. Villarreal opted for a defensive line and quick counterattacks, but City matched them in athleticism and skill. The only glimpses of threat from the Yellow Submarine were quickly dealt with, with the defender denying Mikautadze and Gueye shooting off target.

Patience proved key for Manchester City, particularly in the lead-up to the opening goal.

First Strike Demonstrates Their Control

That first goal on seventeen minutes showcased the team's calmness. Savinho and Stones exchanged the ball multiple times on the right flank, pulling the defense out. Then, the tempo changed—patient movement turned into a quick exchange, Rico Lewis bursting into the box and pulling back for Haaland 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 Silva arrived unmarked to head in from point-blank.

After the Break Brings Momentary Resistance

While the hosts showed a bit of fight in the second half—with Nicolas Pépé and others challenging Gianluigi Donnarumma—City mostly kept control. The striker came close on two occasions, once with a powerful effort and then with a placed strike, but Luíz Júnior denied him each time.

• Haaland has now scored in nine straight matches.
• City dominated the ball with 69% in the opening 45 minutes.
• The Spanish team recorded only a few of attempts on goal.

Ultimately, it was a professional performance from Manchester City, as they carry on their impressive run in Europe.