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Villarreal became the latest team to fall to the Norwegian striker, who netted in his ninth straight Manchester City fixture. The visitors claimed a largely comfortable 2-0 victory in Spain, with the Portuguese midfielder adding a second goal in a first half of clear dominance. Although the home team had chances in the second half, they created minimal sustained threat. When the forward was withdrawn late on, relief spread through the ground—the impact had already been done.

Dominant Start from City

City began brightly, with the number nine, Savinho, and Jérémy Doku linking up to force Luíz Júnior into an early save. Only moments, the striker headed a chance just wide. Pep Guardiola used a flexible setup, sometimes looking like a 3-2-4-1, with John Stones dropping back to defense when needed. City commanded sixty-nine percent of the ball in the first half, although their control appeared more pronounced.

The Home Side Struggle to Keep Up

The Villarreal team appeared struggling to decipher City's movements. They relied on a defensive block and fast breaks, but City exceeded them in athleticism and skill. Any glimpses of threat from the hosts were quickly snuffed out, with the defender denying Georges Mikautadze and Pape Gueye shooting off target.

Patience was key for Manchester City, particularly in the build-up to the first strike.

Opening Strike Highlights City's Control

The opening goal on 17 minutes showcased the team's calmness. Savinho and Stones swapped passes multiple times on the right flank, pulling the defense out. Then, the pace shifted—slow movement turned into a quick sequence, Rico Lewis surging into the area and squaring for Haaland to tap in.

Second Header Seals the Win

City's next strike was even straightforward. Again, the winger delivered a ball from the right, and Silva arrived unmarked to head in from close range.

After the Break Sees Momentary Fightback

Although the hosts showed some fight in the second period—with Nicolas Pépé and others testing Gianluigi Donnarumma—the visitors mostly maintained control. The striker came close twice, first with a powerful effort and later with a placed strike, but the keeper saved him both times.

• The Norwegian has now scored in 9 consecutive matches.
• Manchester City controlled the ball with sixty-nine percent in the first half.
• Villarreal recorded only a few of attempts on goal.

In the end, it was a professional performance from City, who continue their strong form in Europe.