Erling Haaland found the net for a 12th consecutive game to extend his incredible scoring streak and help Manchester City end their winless away run in the Champions League with victory at Villarreal.
Haaland’s blistering form has brought 24 goals in 14 games for club and country this season, and here it helped City claim three points on the road in Europe for the first time in over a year.
The Norwegian’s goal to open the scoring was that of a striker with deadly instincts, darting ahead of marker Juan Foyth and converting with a first-time finish from Rico Lewis’ low cross.
City had opportunities from the off – Haaland headed wide inside two minutes and Jeremy Doku tested Luiz Junior within the first few seconds with a low strike that the home goalkeeper batted away.
Pep Guardiola’s side dominated the first half and captain Bernardo Silva deservedly doubled the advantage before half-time, planting a free header into the net from Savinho’s cross.
Villarreal attempted to get back into the game in the second half as Pape Gueye stung the palms of Gianluigi Donnarumma and former Chelsea defender Renato Veiga headed against the post late on, but City were victorious.
“Last season was not good,” City manager Guardiola told TNT Sport.
“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.”
