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The Spanish side became the most recent team to fall to the Norwegian striker, who netted in his 9th consecutive City fixture. The visitors claimed a largely comfortable 2-0 victory in the Cerámica, with Bernardo Silva contributing a second in a first half of evident dominance. While the hosts had chances in the second half, they posed minimal sustained threat. After the forward was substituted late on, a collective sigh swept through the ground—the damage had already been inflicted.

Dominant Start from City

The English side began sharply, with the number nine, Savinho, and Doku linking up to force Luíz Júnior into an early stop. Only moments, the striker headed a chance just wide. The City manager used a fluid setup, sometimes resembling a three-man defense, with John Stones moving back to the back line when required. The visitors enjoyed sixty-nine percent of possession in the opening period, although their dominance felt more pronounced.

Villarreal Struggle to Cope

The Villarreal team seemed unable to read their opponents' patterns. Villarreal relied on a defensive block and fast breaks, but the away side matched them in athleticism and skill. The only glimpses of threat from the hosts were quickly dealt with, with the defender stopping Georges Mikautadze and Gueye shooting wide.

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

First Goal Highlights Their Control

That opening goal on 17 minutes epitomized the team's calmness. Savinho and John Stones exchanged the ball repeatedly on the right flank, pulling Villarreal wide. Then, the pace shifted—slow passing turned into a quick sequence, Lewis bursting into the area and pulling back for the forward to finish.

Second Header Seals the Win

City's second strike was more straightforward. Again, the winger sent in a cross from the wing, and Silva drifted free to head in from close range.

After the Break Sees Brief Resistance

Although the hosts showed some fight in the second period—with Pépé and others testing Gianluigi Donnarumma—the visitors largely maintained command. Haaland went close twice, once with a strong shot and later with a placed strike, but Luíz Júnior denied him both times.

• The Norwegian has now scored in nine consecutive games.
• Manchester City controlled the ball with sixty-nine percent in the opening 45 minutes.
• Villarreal managed only a handful of shots on target.

Ultimately, it was a efficient display from City, as they carry on their strong form in the Champions League.