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The Spanish side became the most recent team to succumb to the Norwegian striker, who netted in his ninth straight Manchester City fixture. The visitors claimed a largely comfortable 2-0 victory in the Cerámica, with the Portuguese midfielder contributing a second goal in a first half of clear superiority. While the hosts had moments in the second half, they posed little consistent threat. When the forward was substituted late on, relief swept through the stadium—his impact had long been inflicted.

Dominant Start from City

City started sharply, with Haaland, the winger, and Jérémy Doku linking up to test Luíz Júnior into an early save. Only moments, the striker directed a opportunity just wide. Pep Guardiola used a flexible setup, sometimes looking like a 3-2-4-1, with the defender moving into the back line when needed. The visitors enjoyed 69% of possession in the first half, though their dominance appeared even greater.

Villarreal Struggle to Cope

Marcelino's team seemed struggling to decipher City's movements. Villarreal opted for a deep block and quick breaks, but the away side exceeded them in physicality and technique. Any hints of threat from the hosts were quickly snuffed out, with Rúben Dias stopping Georges Mikautadze and Pape Gueye firing off target.

Composure was key for City, especially in the lead-up to the first strike.

Opening Strike Highlights City's Patience

That first goal on 17 minutes showcased City's composure. Savinho and Stones exchanged the ball multiple times on the right, pulling Villarreal wide. Suddenly, the tempo shifted—slow movement turned into a quick exchange, Lewis bursting into the box and squaring for Haaland to finish.

Another Header Confirms the Win

The next strike was even simple. Again, the winger sent in a cross from the right, and Silva arrived free to nod in from point-blank.

After the Break Brings Brief Resistance

Although the hosts showed a bit of life in the second period—with Pépé and teammates challenging Gianluigi Donnarumma—the visitors largely maintained command. Haaland came close twice, once with a powerful shot and later with a placed strike, but Luíz Júnior denied him both times.

• Haaland has now scored in 9 straight matches.
• Manchester City controlled possession with 69% in the opening 45 minutes.
• The Spanish team recorded only a few of attempts on goal.

Ultimately, it was a efficient performance from City, as they carry on their strong run in Europe.