Manchester City maintained their unbeaten run in the Champions League league phase with a 2-0 win over Villarreal on Tuesday, thanks to first-half goals from Erling Haaland and Bernardo Silva.
Pep Guardiola’s men ended a year-long winless streak away in Europe with a confident performance at Estadio de la Ceramica. Haaland continued his remarkable form, scoring for the 12th consecutive match across all competitions, bringing his tally to 22 goals during that span.
Guardiola made four changes from the weekend’s win over Everton, resting Phil Foden, but City showed no signs of slowing down. Rico Lewis, who impressed once again, set up the opener in the 17th minute after combining neatly down the flank before cutting the ball back for Haaland to fire home from close range.
Villarreal, currently third in La Liga, struggled to contain City’s fluid attack, and their hopes of a comeback faded when Savinho delivered a precise cross for Silva to head past Luiz Junior just before half-time.
City lost Nico Gonzalez to injury in the second half, adding to concerns with Rodri Hernandez already sidelined. Despite Villarreal pressing late on, City’s defence stood firm, with Gianluigi Donnarumma producing key saves to deny Nicolas Pepe.
Haaland came close to a second goal, forcing two fine stops from Luiz Junior, while Villarreal’s Renato Veiga struck the post in stoppage time.
After the game, Guardiola praised his team’s progress: “I see that things are looking good. We’re playing a little bit better day after day, and that’s a good sign.”
