Erling Haaland fires Man City to first Champions League away win in more than a year | OneFootball

Manchester City got back to winning ways in the Champions League after a comprehensive 2-0 win against La Liga side Villarreal at the Estadio de la Ceramica.

Unsurprisingly, City’s top scorer Erling Braut Haaland was at the centre of City’s victory.

He opened the scoring for City just after the quarter-hour mark before Benardo Silva sealed all three points five minutes before half-time.

It was hardly a vintage second-half performance from City, but they managed to keep Villarreal at bay and hold on to their two-goal cushion despite conceding two big chances.

In fairness, Pep Guardiola’s side had plenty of chances to stretch their lead even further, but will take the win as City move up to fifth place in the League Phase ranking.

City’s victory was their first away from home in the Champions League in more than a year, and Guardiola will be massively relieved to end that awful record.

Speaking after the game, the Spanish tactician lavished praise on his players and insisted that City’s Champions League numbers from last year aren’t as bad as they look on paper.

“Tough place to come,” Guardiola said (via BBC). “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.”

On City’s away record in the Champions League, Guardiola said: “Last season was not good. 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 is playing now make me feel fine.”

Academy graduate Rico Lewis put in a decent performance in the middle of the pitch alongside Nico Gonzalez, who was forced off with an injury in the 57th minute.

Guardiola waxed lyrical about Lewis’ display and played down fears of a serious injury for Gonzalez.

“I’m sure that 90% of people see Rico Lewis line up there and know what he will do,” he said.

“I love this player. I love this type of player – offensively, defensively. He knows perfectly when he has to move, and I’m really pleased with his game.”

On Gonzalez, he said: “Knock on the foot. Hopefully nothing serious.”

City are back in action this weekend as they take on Aston Villa in Birmingham. Last weekend’s 2-0 win against Everton moved City up to second on the Premier League table, three points behind Arsenal.