Manchester City finally broke their rough patch away from home in the UEFA Champions League, grabbing a solid 2–0 victory over Villarreal at the Estadio de la Cerámica. It was a night Pep Guardiola would’ve been pleased with; as predicted by Softfootball in the pre-game report, the English giants were in control, were clinical, and were a bit ruthless when it mattered most.
The game started sharp, with City almost ahead inside the opening minute. Jérémy Doku darted in from the left and forced Luiz Júnior into a reflex save that had the home fans gasping. You could already tell City meant business. Then, in the 17th minute, Erling Haaland did what he’s been doing all season, scoring for fun, just as he did in Manchester City’s last victory, a 2-nil win over Everton. He tapped in Rico Lewis’ cross after a neat passing move down the right. That was his 12th straight goal for club and country. The man just can’t stop.
Villarreal looked lost for ideas for most of the first half. Their best chance came from Pape Gueye, who tried one from distance that rolled just wide. City were comfortable, moving the ball with ease and pinning the Yellow Submarine deep. Before halftime, they struck again, Savinho whipped a beauty of a cross, and Bernardo Silva rose highest to nod home. 2–0. Simple, efficient football.
Not much changed in the second half as City coasted. They didn’t have to do too much; they just controlled the tempo, kept the ball, and waited. Villarreal tried to push late, and Tani Oluwaseyi almost nicked one, hitting the post in stoppage time, but it was far too late.
Savinho probably deserves a special mention. He was sharp all night, lively on the wing, and involved in both goals as was voted the man of the match, as revealed in an appreciation post of the winger made by Manchester City via their official X account.
They Posted:
The result moves City up to seven points in the group, while Villarreal stays on one. Next, City turn their attention to Aston Villa in the Premier League, a real test. Villarreal, meanwhile, will try to regroup at home against Valencia.
