đź”— Share this article Erling Haaland Unstoppable as Manchester City Defeat the Yellow Submarine Villarreal became the most recent team to fall to Erling Haaland, who scored in his 9th consecutive Manchester City match. The visitors secured a relatively easy 2-0 victory in Spain, 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 minimal consistent threat. After the forward was withdrawn late on, relief swept through the stadium—his damage had already been done. Dominant Opening from City City began sharply, with the number nine, the winger, and Doku combining to test LuĂz JĂşnior into an early stop. Only moments, the striker headed a opportunity just wide. Pep Guardiola used a flexible formation, at times looking like a 3-2-4-1, with John Stones moving back to defense when needed. City commanded 69% of possession in the opening period, although their dominance appeared even greater. The Home Side Find It Tough to Keep Up The Villarreal team appeared unable to decipher their opponents' patterns. Villarreal relied on a deep block and fast counterattacks, but the away side matched them in athleticism and technique. The only glimpses of danger from the hosts were swiftly snuffed out, with RĂşben Dias stopping Mikautadze and Pape Gueye firing wide. Patience was crucial for City, especially in the lead-up to the first goal. Opening Goal Demonstrates Their Control The first goal on 17 minutes epitomized City's calmness. Savinho and Stones exchanged the ball multiple times on the right flank, drawing Villarreal wide. Then, the tempo shifted—patient movement turned into a rapid sequence, Lewis surging into the box and squaring for Haaland to finish. Second Header Confirms the Victory The next strike was even simple. Again, the winger delivered a ball from the wing, and Bernardo Silva arrived free to nod in from point-blank. Second Half Sees Brief Resistance Although the hosts showed some life in the second half—with PĂ©pĂ© and others testing Gianluigi Donnarumma—City mostly maintained command. Haaland went close on two occasions, first with a strong effort and then with a guided strike, but the keeper saved him both times. Haaland has now scored in nine straight matches. Manchester City controlled possession with 69% in the first half. The Spanish team managed only a handful of attempts on target. Ultimately, it was a efficient performance from City, who carry on their impressive form in Europe.