🔗 Share this article Erling Haaland Unstoppable as Manchester City Defeat the Yellow Submarine The Spanish side became the latest team to succumb to the Norwegian striker, who netted in his ninth straight City fixture. Pep Guardiola's men secured a largely comfortable 2-0 victory in Spain, with Bernardo Silva contributing a second in a first half of clear superiority. Although the hosts had moments in the second period, they created minimal consistent danger. After the forward was substituted late on, a collective sigh spread through the ground—the impact had already been inflicted. Commanding Opening from City The English side began brightly, with the number nine, the winger, and Doku combining to test Luíz Júnior into an early stop. Just later, Haaland directed a chance past the post. The City manager employed a flexible formation, sometimes resembling a three-man defense, with John Stones moving back to defense when needed. The visitors enjoyed 69% of the ball in the opening period, although their control felt even greater. The Home Side Struggle to Cope The Villarreal squad appeared struggling to decipher City's movements. Villarreal opted for a defensive block and quick counterattacks, but City matched them in physicality and technique. The only hints of danger from the Yellow Submarine were quickly snuffed out, with the defender stopping Georges Mikautadze and Gueye firing off target. Patience proved key for Manchester City, particularly in the build-up to the opening strike. Opening Strike Demonstrates City's Control The first goal on 17 minutes epitomized the team's composure. The Brazilian and John Stones swapped the ball repeatedly on the right flank, drawing Villarreal out. Suddenly, the pace shifted—slow passing turned into a quick exchange, Lewis surging into the area and pulling back for Haaland to tap in. Another Header Seals the Win City's next strike was more straightforward. Once more, Savinho delivered a ball from the wing, and Bernardo Silva drifted free to nod in from point-blank. After the Break Sees Brief Resistance While Villarreal showed a bit of fight in the second period—with Nicolas Pépé and teammates testing Gianluigi Donnarumma—the visitors mostly kept control. Haaland came close on two occasions, once with a strong effort and then with a guided attempt, but the keeper saved him each time. Haaland has now found the net in nine consecutive games. City controlled possession with 69% in the opening half. Villarreal managed only a handful of attempts on target. In the end, it was a efficient performance from City, as they continue their impressive form in the Champions League.