Man City beat Villarreal 2-0 in the Champions League

Kathmandu: Manchester City extended their unbeaten run to nine games in all competitions after they beat Villarreal 2-0 in the Champions League.

The Blues cruised past the La Liga side at El Madrigal with Erling Haaland and Bernardo Silva scoring in the first half to continue their impressive run of form in recent weeks.

The only sour note for City was an injury to midfielder Nico Gonzalez, who hobbled off just before the hour mark.

He grasped his chance as well. Lewis linked well with Savinho down the right and saw plenty of the ball. He also created the first goal, which was superbly worked.

City showed patience in possession against a deep defence, with Stones and Savinho exchanging numerous passes before the Brazilian spotted Lewis’ run into the penalty area. He took a touch and dug out a low cross to Haaland, who was never going to miss.

Lewis faces plenty of competition for a midfield role, but this was a reminder that when City are on top and enjoying plenty of possession, he has plenty to offer centrally. With Tijjani Reijnders rested, Lewis staked his claim for that position.

That pattern was never going to hold and sure enough, Haaland was soon on the scoresheet.

The even better news was that Silva followed him onto it, ending a run of just over five-and-a-half hours since anyone else bar Haaland had scored for City.

Rodri came through the academy at the La Liga club and played 84 times before moving to Atletico Madrid and then the Etihad. What he has since gone on to achieve, both for City and for Spain, means he is still thought of very fondly in this part of Spain.

On Tuesday, he was inducted into Villarreal’s hall of fame earlier in the day and then given a plaque commemorating his time at the club on the pitch shortly before kick-off at El Madrigal. The locals sang his name, making the journey worth waiting for the midfielder.