Player Ratings: Erling Haaland scores again as Man City beat Villarreal | OneFootball

Villarreal vs Man City: Champions League Player Ratings After a Composed 2-0 Win

Manchester City maintained their unbeaten start to the Champions League campaign with a controlled 2-0 victory over Villarreal, moving to seven points from three games. It was an evening defined by precision, discipline, and Pep Guardiola’s tactical nous, as City’s quality in the final third and composure under pressure told the story.

Savinho and Lewis Shine in Creative Roles

Guardiola made four changes from the weekend win over Everton, yet the rhythm remained intact. Rico Lewis was instrumental early on, combining beautifully with Savinho down the right. That partnership produced the breakthrough when Savinho slipped in Lewis, who squared for Erling Haaland to fire home his 12th consecutive goal.

City’s second came before half-time, again through Savinho’s invention. His perfectly timed cross was met by Bernardo Silva, who nodded home to double the lead and, in the process, end Haaland’s streak of scoring every City goal.

While Villarreal threatened occasionally and struck the post late on, City’s structure and control never really wavered. Gianluigi Donnarumma, calm and commanding, added another clean sheet to his growing list since joining the club.

Photo: IMAGO

City’s Tactical Maturity on Display

Villarreal had brief moments of promise, particularly after the interval, but they struggled to find a consistent route past City’s compact defensive lines. Guardiola’s use of Stones stepping into midfield, combined with Silva’s relentless pressing and Nunes’ fluid movement, kept the tempo and control in City’s favour.

Even with some rotation, the balance of City’s play remained impressive. They pressed intelligently, transitioned swiftly, and moved with purpose. Savinho’s growing confidence and Lewis’s tactical awareness hinted at the depth Guardiola now commands.

Player Ratings: Villarreal vs Man City

Gianluigi Donnarumma – 8Made an important save in the second half, steady and alert throughout.

Matheus Nunes – 8Brilliant defensively, and dynamic when moving forward with Lewis and Savinho.

Rúben Dias – 7Booked harshly but stayed composed, handled Villarreal’s limited threats well.

John Stones – 7Elegant in possession, drifted into midfield effectively and read danger superbly.

Joško Gvardiol – 6A few errant passes drew Guardiola’s frustration, still searching for full sharpness.

Oscar Gonzalez – 7Showed good awareness before being forced off injured.

Bernardo Silva – 8Scored a well-taken header, influential all over the pitch with crucial tackles.

Rico Lewis – 7Set up the opener and dictated the first half tempo before fading slightly.

Savinho – 8Superb performance with two assists, electric and inventive down the flank.

Jérémy Doku – 6Missed an early chance and couldn’t replicate Savinho’s impact.

Erling Haaland – 8Another goal, constant threat, and tireless movement throughout.

SubstitutesKovacic (for Gonzalez, 57) – Excellent passing through the lines. 7Reijnders (for Lewis, 72) – Carried the ball well but overdid it at times. 6Bobb (for Doku, 72) – Limited involvement. 6Marmoush (for Savinho, 86) – No time to influence. 6Cherki (for Haaland, 86) – No time to make an impact. 6

Manager: Pep Guardiola – 8Managed rotation smartly, kept the team structure solid, and ensured full control of the contest.

City’s evening in Spain underlined their depth and tactical evolution. Villarreal had spirit, but the English champions operated with a calm authority that makes them one of Europe’s most complete sides.