Another goal for Erling Haaland. Another injury in midfield for Pep Guardiola. Some things never change for Manchester City.
A 2-0 away win over Villarreal in the Champions League on Tuesday proved bittersweet for Guardiola, who saw prolific striker Haaland score his 24th goal in 14 appearances for club and country this season.
The Norway international has now scored 53 goals in 51 games in the Champions League and has scored in nine consecutive games for City in all competitions. Haaland has already said he is in the form of his life.
However, a second win in three games in the extended competition phase came at a cost, with midfielder Nico Gonzalez limping off with an apparent right knee injury early in the second half.
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Gonzalez replaces compatriot Rodri, who is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury after missing most of last season with a cruciate ligament injury.
Mateo Kovacic came on as a substitute for Gonzalez in the 56th minute, having only recently returned from an Achilles injury that saw the Croatian midfielder sidelined for the past five months.
Bernardo Silva also scored for City, whose unbeaten run in all competitions stretched to nine games.
Guardiola’s side also ended a run of five away games without a win in the Champions League.
Next up is a visit to Aston Villa on Sunday, when Haaland will look to score for a seventh straight Premier League match.
Published on October 22, 2025
