Villarreal vs Man City: Haaland scores again as Cityzens avoid late scare to beat LALIGA outfit

Manchester City finally get a different goalscorer other than Erling Haaland, as they triumphed over Villarreal in the Champions League group phase clash.

Erling Haaland and Bernardo Silva scored in the first half to help Manchester City beat Villarreal and maintain an unbeaten start to the Champions League group phase.

The Spanish side aimed to turn home advantage into points after failing to pick up a win in their opening two games, but City’s superior quality shone through.

Key match details

City made their mark early. In the 17th minute, a slick move saw Rico Lewis thread across the Villarreal defence, and Erling Haaland met it in the six-yard box to make it 1-0. Early dominance followed, with City pressing high and Villarreal forced into a defensive shell.

The home side tried to regroup, but controlled possession became one-way traffic. In the 39th minute, Bernardo Silva’s header from inside the box after a well-worked sequence involving Savinho and Rico Lewis put the visitors 2-0 up just before half-time. 

That lead proved enough, with City showing tactical control thereafter; Villarreal’s counter-attacks offered little, as they finished their chances rarely.

The second half saw Villarreal make defensive changes and press more, but City held firm and prevented clear openings.

However, the host's late flurry of attacks came close to bearing fruit, but the Cityzens were determined to keep a clean sheet.