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The Spanish side became the most recent team to succumb to Erling Haaland, who scored in his ninth consecutive Manchester City fixture. The visitors secured a largely comfortable 2-0 win in the Cerámica, with Bernardo Silva adding a second goal in a opening 45 minutes of evident superiority. Although the home team had chances in the second period, they posed little consistent threat. After Haaland was substituted late on, relief swept through the ground—the impact had long been inflicted.

Commanding Opening from City

City began sharply, with Haaland, the winger, and Jérémy Doku combining to force Luíz Júnior into an early stop. Only later, the striker headed a chance past the post. The City manager used a flexible formation, at times resembling a three-man defense, with John Stones dropping back to defense when needed. The visitors enjoyed 69% of possession in the first half, though their control appeared even greater.

The Home Side Find It Tough to Cope

Marcelino's squad appeared unable to read their opponents' movements. They relied on a defensive line and fast counterattacks, but the away side matched them in physicality and skill. Any hints of danger from the hosts were quickly snuffed out, with Rúben Dias stopping Mikautadze and Pape Gueye firing off target.

Patience proved crucial for City, particularly in the build-up to the first strike.

Opening Strike Highlights Their Patience

The first goal on seventeen minutes showcased the team's calmness. Savinho and Stones exchanged passes multiple times on the right, drawing the defense out. Then, the pace changed—slow movement turned into a quick exchange, Lewis surging into the box and squaring for Haaland to tap in.

Another Goal Seals the Win

The second strike was even simple. Once more, the winger delivered a cross from the right, and Bernardo Silva drifted free to head in from point-blank.

After the Break Brings Brief Fightback

While the hosts displayed a bit of life in the second half—with Nicolas Pépé and others testing the City keeper—City largely kept command. Haaland went close on two occasions, first with a strong effort and later with a guided attempt, but Luíz Júnior saved him each time.

• The Norwegian has now found the net in nine straight matches.
• Manchester City dominated the ball with sixty-nine percent in the opening half.
• The Spanish team managed only a handful of shots on goal.

In the end, it was a efficient display from Manchester City, as they carry on their impressive run in the Champions League.