Man City face Villarreal looking to restore control to Champions League campaign | OneFootball

Manchester City visit Villarreal in the Champions League on Tuesday, hoping to return to winning ways in Europe after being held to a 2-2 draw by Monaco last time out.

Pep Guardiola’s side have been strong domestically but have yet to convince fully on the continent this season, and this trip to the Estadio de la Ceramica offers a chance to put that right.

Villarreal are still without a win in the competition, making this a good opportunity for City to reassert themselves.

City conceded a late equaliser in Monaco in their last outing, extending their winless run away from home in the competition to five matches.

That pattern contrasts sharply with their league form, where they have now gone eight games unbeaten.

Their 2-0 win over Everton on Saturday was far from fluent, but it got the job done, which has been the story of their season.

Erling Braut Haaland remains their difference-maker, scoring twice against Everton to make it 23 goals in 13 appearances for club and country this season.

The Norwegian’s efficiency in front of goal will again be key if City are to climb back up the Champions League table.

The manager will require more from his other attackers. Phil Foden, Jeremy Doku and Savinho have all impressed in flashes but have lacked consistency in front of goal.

Guardiola knows that relying solely on Haaland will not be sustainable against Europe’s elite, and he has publicly urged his wingers and attacking midfielders to share the scoring burden.

Villarreal have endured a mixed start under Marcelino. They drew 2-2 with Juventus last time out, rescuing a point after opening their campaign with a defeat at Tottenham Hotspur.

Their domestic form has also been patchy, with a 3-1 loss to Real Madrid followed by a 2-2 draw with Real Betis at the weekend, extending their winless run to three games.

The Yellow Submarine have a poor recent record against English sides, failing to win any of their last eight encounters.

City will be confident of extending that run if they can reproduce their attacking sharpness from the weekend while tightening up defensively.

A victory in Spain would not only end City’s frustrating away drought in Europe but also send a message that their pursuit of continental glory remains on track.