🔗 Share this article

Villarreal became the most recent team to fall to the Norwegian striker, who scored in his 9th consecutive Manchester City fixture. Pep Guardiola's men secured a relatively easy 2-0 win in the Cerámica, with the Portuguese midfielder contributing a second in a first half of clear dominance. Although the hosts had chances in the second half, they posed little consistent danger. When the forward was withdrawn late on, relief swept through the ground—the damage had already been done.

Dominant Start from Manchester City

The English side started sharply, with the number nine, Savinho, and Jérémy Doku linking up to test Luíz Júnior into an early save. Only moments, the striker headed a chance just wide. The City manager employed a flexible formation, at times looking like a 3-2-4-1, with John Stones dropping into the back line when needed. City commanded 69% of possession in the first half, although their control felt more pronounced.

The Home Side Struggle to Keep Up

The Villarreal squad appeared struggling to decipher City's movements. Villarreal relied on a deep block and fast breaks, but City matched them in athleticism and skill. The only glimpses of danger from the Yellow Submarine were quickly dealt with, with the defender stopping Georges Mikautadze and Gueye firing off target.

Composure proved key for City, especially in the build-up to the opening goal.

Opening Strike Highlights Their Patience

The first goal on seventeen minutes epitomized City's composure. The Brazilian and Stones exchanged the ball multiple times on the right flank, drawing the defense out. Then, the pace changed—patient passing turned into a quick sequence, Rico Lewis bursting into the box and pulling back for the forward to tap in.

Second Header Confirms the Win

The second strike was more simple. Again, Savinho delivered a cross from the right, and Bernardo Silva drifted unmarked to nod home from point-blank.

Second Half Brings Momentary Fightback

While Villarreal showed a bit of life in the second half—with Nicolas Pépé and others challenging Gianluigi Donnarumma—the visitors mostly maintained control. The striker went close twice, once with a strong shot and then with a placed strike, but Luíz Júnior denied him each time.

• The Norwegian has now scored in 9 straight games.
• Manchester City controlled the ball with sixty-nine percent in the opening 45 minutes.
• Villarreal recorded only a few of shots on goal.

In the end, it was a professional performance from Manchester City, as they continue their strong run in the Champions League.