Manchester City were comfortable 2-0 winners over Villarreal as they registered their first away Champions League win in over a year.
Erling Haaland extended his extraordinary scoring streak – taking his season tally to 15 in all competitions – when rounding off Rico Lewis’ reverse cross before Bernardo Silva headed Savinho’s delivery home before the break.
Villarreal, who had not been beaten at home since March, set up in a defensive 4-4-2 system but were so passive it played perfectly into Pep Guardiola’s hands. John Stones had a free role to step into midfield and orchestrate, while Jeremy Doku and Savinho gave their respective full-backs a torrid night.
The Spanish side were painfully slow to second balls and switched off for both goals. Their one point from three league phase games is evidence of a struggle with the intensity of opponents in Europe’s top tier. Nicolas Pepe squandered a pair of late chance to underline the quality gap.
Erling Haaland has scored 15 goals in all competitions this season
Man City finish the night fifth in the league phase standings, joining Arsenal and Newcastle inside the top eight, with the only snag concerning midfielder Nico Gonzalez, who limped off after an hour. Rodri was in attendance but not named in Guardiola’s squad.
Man City banish away day blues
Pep Guardiola leaves the field with Erling Haaland
Analysis by Sky Sports’ Laura Hunter:
City end a five-game winless run on the road in the Champions League. That was the chief aim.
They did so without Rodri and Phil Foden, while welcoming back Omar Marmoush and Rayan Cherki from injury. They barely got out of second gear. All things that will delight Pep Guardiola.
And the importance of a clean sheet won’t be lost either – three shutouts in a row in all competitions. Man City are slowly learning how to cope without Rodri’s control and defensive nouse. There is much more athleticism in this new look side and the balance is better because of it.
As for Haaland. He’s unstoppable. And is being rewarded with service from all angles – it was Rico Lewis on this occasion but the burden is being shared and the finishing is as slick as it’s ever been. “He’s impossible to defend, he never stops wanting to score,” Lewis said of Haaland post-match. The Norwegian could have netted twice more.
His frightening level sees no bounds.
Lewis: Confidence has returned
Manchester City’s Rico Lewis to TNT Sports:
“We felt in control for most of the game. There’s always better things we can do and there were a few spells they had that we could’ve prevented but we have to be harsh on ourselves if we want to win the competition.
“We’ve got some confidence back. When you’re playing with confidence there’s nothing to stop you but yourself. Everyone trusts each other as well and there’s nothing better than us having each other’s backs.”
Speaking about Haaland, he added: “Impossible, amazing. To play with him in the team, he helps us more than people realise. He draws defenders to free other people and then that frees him up to score. He’s impossible to defend. He’s such a hard worker and never stops wanting to score.”
Guardiola enjoying City’s vibe
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola to TNT Sports:
“Tough place to come. We played really good. At the end they had one or two chances but we played a fantastic game. A good step for us in this tournament.
“It’s good that not just Erling [Haaland] scored and we had more chances for others. Impact from Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders good too. Little disappointed with result in Monaco, we created chances and didn’t win and played the same as today but today got the goals. Teams in LaLiga are really tough and a top-class manager.
“Our numbers in the Champions League in the last year are not bad. Personally my numbers are not bad. But last season was tough for us, the vibe and how the team are playing now make me feel fine.”
