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Villarreal became the most recent team to fall to the Norwegian striker, who netted in his 9th straight Manchester City match. The visitors secured a relatively easy 2-0 win in Spain, with the Portuguese midfielder adding a second goal in a opening 45 minutes of evident dominance. Although the home team had moments in the second half, they posed little sustained threat. After Haaland was withdrawn late on, a collective sigh spread through the ground—his damage had long been inflicted.

Commanding Start from City

The English side began sharply, with the number nine, Savinho, and Jérémy Doku linking up to force Luíz Júnior into an first-minute stop. Just moments, Haaland directed a chance just wide. The City manager employed a flexible setup, sometimes looking like a 3-2-4-1, with the defender moving back to defense when required. The visitors commanded sixty-nine percent of the ball in the opening period, although their dominance felt even greater.

Villarreal Struggle to Cope

Marcelino's team seemed struggling to decipher City's movements. They opted for a defensive line and fast breaks, but the away side matched them in physicality and technique. Any glimpses of threat from the hosts were quickly snuffed out, with Rúben Dias denying Mikautadze and Gueye shooting off target.

Patience was key for City, particularly in the build-up to the first goal.

First Goal Highlights City's Control

That first goal on 17 minutes showcased the team's composure. The Brazilian and John Stones swapped the ball multiple times on the right, pulling Villarreal wide. Suddenly, the pace changed—patient passing turned into a rapid sequence, Rico Lewis bursting into the area and pulling back for Haaland to tap in.

Another Header Seals the Win

The second goal was more simple. Again, the winger delivered a ball from the wing, and Silva arrived unmarked to head home from close range.

After the Break Brings Momentary Resistance

While the hosts showed some life in the second period—with Pépé and others testing Gianluigi Donnarumma—the visitors mostly maintained control. Haaland went close on two occasions, first with a powerful shot and later with a guided strike, but Luíz Júnior saved him each time.

• The Norwegian has now scored in 9 straight matches.
• Manchester City controlled possession with 69% in the first half.
• The Spanish team recorded only a handful of attempts on target.

In the end, it was a professional performance from Manchester City, who continue their impressive form in the Champions League.