UCL: Haaland Scores as Manchester City Beats Villarreal 2-0

City edges closer to knockout stage with 2-0 win over Villarreal

Manchester City snapped a five-match winless away run in the UEFA Champions League with a 2-0 victory over Villarreal, becoming the first team to win at the Estadio de la Ceramica since Real Madrid in March.

Manchester City's win marked their first victory at the Estadio de la Cerámica since Real Madrid's win in March...

Manchester City's Erling Haaland continued his remarkable scoring streak, netting his 12th consecutive match goal in the team's 2-0 win over Villarreal in the UEFA Champions League. The Norwegian striker opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a precise finish from Rico Lewis' cross.

The visitors dominated possession and created scoring opportunities, with Bernardo Silva doubling the lead just before halftime. Silva headed home from Savinho's cross, capitalizing on Villarreal's defensive vulnerability.

Villarreal struggled to find their footing, particularly in the first half, where they were outmuscled and outmaneuvered by Manchester City's attacking prowess. Despite their improved performance in the second half, the Spanish side couldn't capitalize on their chances, ultimately succumbing to City's efficient and ruthless play.

Manchester City's win marked their first victory at the Estadio de la Cerámica since Real Madrid's win in March, showcasing their dominance in the match. The victory extends City's unbeaten run to nine matches across all competitions, solidifying their position in the league phase standings.

Manchester City began the match on the front foot, and it was no surprise when Erling Haaland scored, netting his 12th successive goal for club or country after some slick interplay down the right flank allowed Rico Lewis to cut the ball back for the Norwegian to sweep home.

Haaland scores again in Man City win 🩵#UCL pic.twitter.com/FVB7zdVW8M

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) October 21, 2025

Villarreal struggled to create scoring opportunities in the first half, largely due to City's dominant defensive display. However, they managed to conjure up a half-chance shortly before the half-hour mark when Pape Gueye's effort flashed narrowly wide.

City's dominance paid off just before halftime as Bernardo Silva headed home Savinho's cross, doubling the visitors' lead and showcasing their attacking prowess.

The second half began quietly, with City content to control possession and toy with Villarreal. However, they showcased their attacking potency when Savinho tested Luiz Junior with a shot on the hour mark.

🇧🇷💫 pic.twitter.com/ZKunomeQvD

— Manchester City (@ManCity) October 21, 2025

Villarreal finally created scoring chances in the 70th minute, going close to scoring twice within a 30-second span, raising hopes of a comeback.

Pape Gueye fired a shot from the edge of the area that tested Gianluigi Donnarumma's reflexes, while Nicolas Pepe followed up with a header from close range that flew inches wide of the post.

Erling Haaland had two opportunities to seal the win with clinical finishes, but Luiz Junior made crucial saves to deny the Norwegian striker on both occasions.

Haaland's failure to score again didn't impact the outcome, as Manchester City secured a comfortable 2-0 win. The victory marked City's fifth away win in their last 15 UCL matches against Spanish teams.

Villarreal's loss means they remain winless in the Champions League this season, still searching for their first points after three matchdays.