đź”— Share this article Erling Haaland Unstoppable as Manchester City Defeat the Yellow Submarine The Spanish side became the latest team to fall to Erling Haaland, who scored in his ninth consecutive City fixture. Pep Guardiola's men secured a largely comfortable 2-0 win in the Cerámica, with Bernardo Silva contributing a second goal in a opening 45 minutes of clear dominance. While the hosts had chances in the second period, they created minimal sustained threat. After Haaland was withdrawn late on, a collective sigh swept through the stadium—his impact had long been inflicted. Commanding Opening from Manchester City The English side began brightly, with the number nine, the winger, and JĂ©rĂ©my Doku linking up to force LuĂz JĂşnior into an early stop. Only later, the striker headed a chance just wide. Pep Guardiola used a fluid setup, sometimes looking like a three-man defense, with the defender moving back to defense when required. The visitors commanded 69% of the ball in the first half, though their dominance appeared even greater. The Home Side Find It Tough to Cope Marcelino's squad appeared struggling to read their opponents' patterns. Villarreal opted for a defensive block and quick counterattacks, but the away side exceeded them in physicality and technique. Any hints of threat from the Yellow Submarine were swiftly snuffed out, with RĂşben Dias denying Mikautadze and Pape Gueye shooting wide. Composure was key for City, especially in the build-up to the opening goal. First Strike Highlights City's Control The first goal on seventeen minutes epitomized the team's composure. Savinho and John Stones swapped passes multiple times on the right flank, pulling Villarreal wide. Suddenly, the pace changed—slow movement turned into a quick sequence, Rico Lewis bursting into the box and pulling back for Haaland to finish. Another Header Confirms the Win The next goal was more straightforward. Once more, Savinho delivered a cross from the right, and Bernardo Silva drifted unmarked to nod home from point-blank. Second Half Sees Brief Fightback While the hosts displayed some fight in the second half—with Nicolas PĂ©pĂ© and teammates testing Gianluigi Donnarumma—City mostly maintained control. Haaland came close twice, once with a powerful shot and then with a guided attempt, but the keeper saved him both times. The Norwegian has now scored in 9 straight matches. Manchester City controlled possession with sixty-nine percent in the first 45 minutes. Villarreal managed only a handful of shots on goal. Ultimately, it was a professional display from Manchester City, as they continue their impressive form in the Champions League.