Haaland extends scoring streak as Man City end champions league away drought at Villarreal

Erling Haaland continued his remarkable scoring run with another decisive strike as Manchester City ended their long wait for an away victory in the Champions League, beating Villarreal in Spain, Sport360NG reports.

The Norwegian forward has now scored in 12 consecutive matches, taking his tally to 24 goals in just 14 appearances for club and country this season. His instinctive opener, darting ahead of Juan Foyth to turn in Rico Lewis’ low cross, set Pep Guardiola’s side on course for a comfortable win.

City signalled their intent early, with Haaland heading wide inside two minutes before Jeremy Doku forced a smart stop from Villarreal goalkeeper Luiz Junior. Their dominance soon told as Bernardo Silva doubled the lead before the break, nodding home Savinho’s delivery to cap an impressive first-half display.

The hosts rallied after the interval, with Pape Gueye drawing a sharp save from Gianluigi Donnarumma and Renato Veiga hitting the post late on, but City stood firm to seal the points.

City Finding Their Rhythm

The victory stretched City’s unbeaten run in all competitions to nine games and lifted them to fifth in their Champions League group, having taken seven points from their opening three fixtures. It also ended a five-match winless streak away from home in the competition, their last success on the road coming in October 2024 against Slovan Bratislava.

Guardiola’s men controlled proceedings after their two first-half goals, showing composure and growing confidence as they managed the game effectively. Haaland, meanwhile, maintained his prolific form against Spanish sides, with nine goals in as many appearances against La Liga opposition.

One concern for Guardiola was a potential injury to midfielder Nico Gonzalez, who limped off in the second half while deputising for the absent Rodri.

Villarreal Outclassed

Villarreal, a club from a town of just 50,000 people, have long punched above their weight in Spanish football, even lifting the Europa League in 2021. But they found themselves second-best for most of the night against a relentless City team.

Marcelino’s side, who currently sit third in La Liga behind Real Madrid and Barcelona, created a few late chances but were largely subdued by City’s control and pressing. With no wins from their first three group games, their hopes of reaching the knockout stages already look slim.