Haaland nets another as Manchester City defeat Villarreal

Erling Haaland maintained his impressive run of scoring as Manchester City secured a solid 2-0 victory over Villarreal in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Pep Guardiolas team remained undefeated in the league stage thanks to their success at Estadio de la Ceramica, with goals in the opening half from Haaland and Bernardo Silva.

The Norwegian forward has now scored in every one of his past 12 outings for club and international duty, totalling 22 goals across those matches.

Guardiola made four alterations to the lineup from the recent triumph over Everton, resting Phil Foden, as City broke a 12 month drought for away wins in European competition.

Haaland nodded a cross from Silva just wide in the early stages while City dominated possession and started exploiting spaces in Villarreal's backline, with Savinho showing promise.

Rico Lewis contributed to the first goal after 17 minutes by laying the ball back following a tidy team effort, allowing the striker to fire it in from close range at six yards.

Villarreal, who sit third in La Liga, gradually gained some territory in the match, yet City struck again before the break to halt their progress.

Savinho delivered a cross for the free Silva to head beyond Brazilian keeper Luiz Junior, all but confirming the result.

City suffered a setback when midfielder Nico Gonzalez picked up an injury shortly before the hour, a rare downside for the away team especially with pivotal player Rodri Hernandez already out.

The Premier League outfit controlled the latter period until the closing 20 minutes, when Villarreal mounted some pressure.

Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma pulled off a fine stop on a shot from Nicola Pepe, followed by the forward heading astray.

Pepe also sent a volley over the bar as City held firm against the home side.

Elsewhere, a powerful effort from Haaland was comfortably gathered by Luiz Junior.

The shot stopper produced another excellent denial to limit the 25 year old Norwegian to a single strike, which has become quite the challenge recently.

In the 85th minute, Guardiola introduced Omar Marmoush for his return to action since August following knee trouble.

Villarreal went nearest to pulling one back late on as Renato Veigas header had Donnarumma beaten but it struck the upright and cleared.

Marcelino Garcia Torals squad have yet to taste victory in Europe this term, managing only a single point from their opening three fixtures.