Manchester City finally ended a five-match winless streak on the road in the UEFA Champions League (UCL), defeating Villarreal 2-0 at the Estadio de la Cerámica. The Cityzens became the first team to win at the Spanish venue since Real Madrid in March.

Villarreal, who had squandered a two-goal lead at the weekend, were similarly porous at the back early on. City came close to opening the scoring within the first 30 seconds, but Luiz Junior’s stunning one-handed save denied Jeremy Doku a gilt-edged chance.

City dominated the opening stages, and it didn’t take long for Erling Haaland to strike. A slick move down City’s right saw Rico Lewis cut the ball back for the Norwegian, who swept it home, marking his 12th consecutive game scoring for club or country.

Villarreal offered little going forward in the first half, though Pape Gueye had a rare chance just before the half-hour mark, flashing a left-footed effort narrowly wide. City, however, doubled their advantage five minutes before halftime. Savinho, at the heart of City’s attacking play, delivered a perfect cross for an unmarked Bernardo Silva to head into the corner.

The second half started quietly, with City content to control possession. When they ramped up the intensity, they created more chances, including a Savinho strike that tested Luiz Junior on the hour mark.

Villarreal only threatened City’s goal around the 70th minute. In a frantic 30-second spell, Gueye stung Gianluigi Donnarumma’s palms from the edge of the area, and former Arsenal forward Nicolas Pepe headed narrowly wide from six yards.

Haaland came close to adding to his tally twice, but Luiz Junior denied him both times. Nevertheless, the Norwegian’s misses were irrelevant as City comfortably saw out the victory.

The result marked only City’s fifth away win in their last 15 UCL games against Spanish opposition. Villarreal, meanwhile, remain winless in this season’s Champions League after three matchdays.