Manchester City will aim to put an end to their disappointing away record in the UEFA Champions League when they take on Villarreal at the Estadio de la Cerámica on Tuesday night.
Pep Guardiola’s side, who have failed to secure victory in any of their last five European away fixtures, travel to Spain in buoyant mood following successive Premier League wins over Brentford and Everton.
The Sky Blues have been rediscovering their rhythm both in attack and defence, with Erling Haaland once again leading the charge in front of goal.
The Norwegian striker has hit a rich vein of form, scoring 12 goals in his last eight appearances for City. His recent scoring spree, coupled with City’s tightened defensive performances, offers Guardiola renewed optimism that his side can finally break their European away jinx.
However, a 2-2 draw against Monaco on matchday two served as a reminder that their struggles on the continent are far from over.
Guardiola’s men had to battle from behind twice in that game, and the manager will be eager for a more convincing performance in Spain this time around.
City’s search for away form meets Villarreal’s battle for consistency
While Manchester City are chasing to move upward in the league phase, Villarreal are still searching for their first win in this season’s competition.
The Spanish club fell narrowly to Tottenham in their opening fixture before salvaging a dramatic 2-2 draw against Juventus, thanks to Renato Veiga’s last-minute header.
They have endured a frustrating campaign so far, struggling to find momentum and failing to win any of their last three matches in all competitions. Their recent European record against English opposition also makes for grim reading — Villarreal have not beaten an English team in their last eight attempts.
Marcelino will be hoping the passionate home support at Estadio de la Cerámica can help turn the tide. The Yellow Submarine’s strength in possession and ability to press high could trouble City if given space, but inconsistency in both penalty areas has repeatedly cost them crucial points this season.
Manchester City’s midfield, often the heartbeat of their European performances, will again be tested in the absence of Rodri, who remains sidelined with a hamstring injury.
The Spanish international’s absence was evident during previous fixtures, where City occasionally lacked their usual balance and control in midfield transitions.
Injury updates and predicted lineups
City have received largely positive news on the injury front ahead of the trip to Spain. Left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri is edging closer to a return after recovering from an ankle problem, though the final decision on his availability will be made shortly before kickoff.
Meanwhile, Abdukodir Khusanov continues to recover from a similar issue and remains unavailable for selection.
Despite those minor concerns, Guardiola is expected to have most of his core players fit and ready. He could also look to refresh his lineup due to the congested fixture schedule, offering opportunities to a few fringe players.
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Omar Marmoush and Rayan Cherki are among those tipped to make their first Champions League appearances of the season, as Guardiola looks to balance freshness with experience.
The tactical shape is likely to remain familiar, with City operating in their fluid 4-5-1 formation. Gianluigi Donnarumma is expected to continue in goal, protected by a back four of Matheus Nunes, John Stones, Josko Gvardiol, and O’Reilly.
In midfield, Gonzalez is set to anchor play, supported by the creative duo of Tijjani Reijnders and Bernardo Silva. Upfront, Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku will be behind Erling Haaland, who will lead the line, eager to extend his goal-scoring streak on European soil.
Manchester City predicted XI (4-5-1, right to left): Donnarumma (GK) — Nunes, Stones, Gvardiol, O’Reilly — Gonzalez; Reijnders, Silva, Foden, Doku — Haaland
Injured: Ait-Nouri (ankle), Khusanov (ankle), Rodri (hamstring)
Suspended: None
Villarreal vs Man City match details
- Date: Tuesday, October 21, 2025
- Kickoff time: 9 p.m. local / 8 p.m. BST
- Location: Estadio de la Ceramica, Villarreal (Spain)
- Competition: UEFA Champions League league phase: Matchday 3
- Referee: Serdar Gozubuyuk (NED)
- VAR: Rob Dieperink (NED)
