Erling Haaland once again took centre stage as Manchester City beat Villarreal 2-0 in a commanding victory in the Champions League.
The Norwegian striker netted for the 12th consecutive game across all competitions, underlining his breathtaking consistency, while Bernardo Silva’s first goal of the season sealed a much-needed away win for Pep Guardiola’s side in Europe.
The triumph marked City’s first away win in the Champions League in over a year, moving them to seven points from their opening three fixtures in the new League Phase.
It was a performance defined by control, composure, and clinical finishing — the hallmarks of Guardiola’s side — against a Villarreal team currently sitting third in La Liga but clearly a level below the European champions in rhythm and quality.
Haaland might have opened the scoring inside three minutes when he sent a free header wide of the post, but he made no mistake shortly afterward.
A fluid build-up saw Rico Lewis cut the ball back perfectly, and the striker lashed it home with trademark precision.
The goal — his 53rd in the Champions League — saw him surpass Mohamed Salah on the all-time list and break into the competition’s top ten scorers. It was also his 24th strike this season for club and country, and yet again, he made it look effortless.
City dominated possession from the outset, with their short, sharp passing sequences suffocating Villarreal’s attempts to build any momentum.
Guardiola’s men barely had to shift gears to assert control, their patience rewarded when Bernardo Silva, captaining the side in Rodri’s absence, headed home Savinho’s cross just before half-time to double the lead.
Rodri, sidelined with a hamstring injury, still travelled to Spain to be honoured by Villarreal — the club where he began his professional career — as he was inducted into their Hall of Fame.
His absence, however, barely registered thanks to the midfield command of Nico Gonzalez, who looked right at home in his return to Spanish soil before limping off injured midway through the second half.
City’s dominance was such that Gianluigi Donnarumma, who enjoyed a quiet evening, wasn’t seriously tested until the final 20 minutes. Villarreal finally stirred, forcing the Italian goalkeeper into a fine diving save to deny Pape Gueye’s thunderous strike.
Nicolas Pepe blazed a volley over from close range, while substitute Tani Oluwaseyi struck the post. But for all their late pressure, the hosts never looked like altering the outcome.
Manchester City beat Villarreal 2-0 comfortably with Haaland threatening to add to his tally on two more occasions only to be denied by opponent goalkeeper Luiz Junior.
The result and performance reinforced City’s European credentials and provided further evidence of their depth, quality, and tactical mastery.
Player Rating: Lewis and Savinho sparkle as City’s young guns Impress
Between the posts, Gianluigi Donnarumma was largely a spectator, but when finally tested, he produced a crucial fingertip save to keep Gueye’s shot from finding the corner — earning a 7/10 rating.
While Haaland’s goals often dominate the headlines, it was the performance of City’s young stars — Rico Lewis and Savinho — that truly caught the eye. Lewis, deployed in a central midfield role, was instrumental in dictating the rhythm of play.
His intelligence in possession and crisp passing constantly unbalanced Villarreal’s defensive structure, while his assist for Haaland’s opener epitomised his growing influence.
Rated 8/10, Lewis showcased maturity well beyond his years, running rings around the Spanish side and setting the tempo in City’s midfield.
Savinho, meanwhile, provided relentless width and flair down the flank. His ability to beat defenders one-on-one and deliver dangerous balls into the box made him a constant menace, capped off with the pinpoint cross that set up Bernardo Silva’s header.
The Brazilian winger, rated 8/10, gave Villarreal’s backline no respite in the first half and showed exactly why Guardiola is so excited about his potential.
In defence, Matheus Nunes combined effectively with Savinho, balancing attack and defence with composure. Ruben Dias and John Stones barely broke a sweat for most of the night, though Dias was called upon late to help preserve the clean sheet.
Stones, given the freedom to step into midfield, relished Villarreal’s lack of pressing, gliding through the lines to support City’s build-up play.
Josko Gvardiol, however, endured a mixed evening, misplacing a pass that earned him a sharp rebuke from Guardiola — a 5/10 performance he will want to forget quickly.
Nico Gonzalez impressed on his return to Spain, commanding midfield territory with poise and precision. His injury, which forced him off in the second half, was the only downside to an otherwise polished outing.
Bernardo Silva, wearing the captain’s armband, displayed his usual intelligence and tireless work rate, capping his performance with a well-taken header to make it 2-0 — his first goal of the campaign.
In attack, Jeremy Doku was lively from the opening minute, creating an early chance and linking up well with Haaland. Though he didn’t score, his pace and dribbling added another dimension to City’s attacking options.
His rating of 8/10 reflected both his impact and his relentless hunger for more — a hallmark of the 25-year-old’s astonishing consistency.
Guardiola’s command and squad depth shine through
City’s substitutes maintained the team’s rhythm, though their introduction coincided with Villarreal’s brief resurgence.
Mateo Kovacic (5/10) provided energy but struggled to impose control during the hosts’ late push.
Tijjani Reijnders (6/10) linked well with Haaland and offered a neat cameo, while Oscar Bobb (6/10) found joy down the right and teed up a chance for Reijnders.
Late substitutes Omar Marmoush and Rayan Cherki made minimal impact in limited minutes.
