🔗 Share this article Haaland Unstoppable as Manchester City Defeat the Yellow Submarine The Spanish side became the most recent team to succumb to the Norwegian striker, who netted in his 9th consecutive City fixture. Pep Guardiola's men secured a largely comfortable 2-0 win in the Cerámica, with Bernardo Silva adding a second 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 After Haaland was withdrawn late on, relief swept through the stadium—the damage had long been inflicted. Commanding Start from Manchester City City started sharply, with the number nine, Savinho, and Doku linking up to force LuÃz Júnior into an first-minute save. Just later, the striker directed a chance just wide. Pep Guardiola employed a fluid setup, sometimes resembling a three-man defense, with John Stones dropping back to defense when needed. City commanded 69% of the ball in the first half, though their dominance felt even greater. The Home Side Find It Tough to Keep Up The Villarreal squad seemed struggling to read City's movements. Villarreal opted for a defensive line and quick breaks, but City exceeded them in physicality and technique. The only hints of danger from the hosts were quickly dealt with, with the defender stopping Georges Mikautadze and Pape Gueye firing wide. Patience was key for Manchester City, especially in the lead-up to the first strike. First Strike Demonstrates City's Patience The first goal on seventeen minutes epitomized City's composure. The Brazilian and Stones exchanged passes repeatedly on the right, drawing Villarreal out. Then, the tempo changed—patient movement turned into a quick sequence, Rico Lewis surging into the area and squaring for Haaland to tap in. Second Goal Seals the Victory The next goal was more simple. Once more, the winger delivered a cross from the right, and Silva drifted free to head in from point-blank. After the Break Sees Momentary Fightback While Villarreal displayed some life in the second half—with Nicolas Pépé and teammates challenging Gianluigi Donnarumma—City mostly kept control. Haaland came close on two occasions, first with a strong effort and then with a guided attempt, but LuÃz Júnior saved him each time. The Norwegian has now found the net in nine straight matches. City dominated possession with sixty-nine percent in the opening 45 minutes. Villarreal recorded only a few of shots on target. In the end, it was a professional display from City, as they continue their impressive run in Europe.