UCL: Haaland scores as Man City secure comfortable win at Villarreal
Erling Haaland continued his sensational goalscoring form as Manchester City secured a comfortable 2–0 victory over Villarreal in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday night.
The Norwegian striker took his tally to 24 goals in 14 games for club and country this season, inspiring City to their first away win in Europe in more than a year.
Haaland opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a classic poacher’s finish. The goal was another reminder of the 24-year-old’s lethal instincts in front of goal.
City dominated from the start, Haaland headed wide early on, while Jeremy Doku forced Luiz Junior into a smart save inside the opening minutes. Bernardo Silva doubled the lead before the break, nodding home Savinho’s pinpoint cross to make it 2–0.
Pep Guardiola’s side controlled the tempo for most of the second half, though Villarreal rallied late on. Pape Gueye tested Gianluigi Donnarumma, and Renato Veiga hit the post, but City’s defence held firm to preserve their clean sheet.
City did suffer a setback when midfielder Nico Gonzalez limped off injured, adding to Guardiola’s concerns with Rodri Hernandez already sidelined.
After the match, Rico Lewis praised Haaland’s relentless form.
“He’s amazing, impossible to defend. He never stops working and always wants to score. We felt in control for most of the game, but we can still improve if we want to win the competition.”
With the win, Man City remain unbeaten in their Champions League campaign and continue to look every bit the favourites to retain their European crown.
