Haaland remains unstoppable, but City suffers due to injuries
Manchester City achieved a 2-0 away victory against Villarreal in the Champions League, but the joy was marred by a new injury in midfield. Erling Haaland continues to demonstrate his goal-scoring ability by scoring his 24th goal in 14 matches this season, both at club and national team level. However, the match also left a negative note: Nico González’s injury. The Norwegian striker has 53 goals in 51 Champions League matches and has scored in nine consecutive games for City in all competitions. Haaland, in exceptional form, continues to demonstrate his worth. The victory came at a cost. González had to leave the playing field in the second half due to an apparent injury to his right knee. González was substituting for Rodri, who is out due to a hamstring injury. Mateo Kovacic, recently recovered from an Achilles tendon injury, came on as a substitute for Gonzalez in the 56th minute. Bernardo Silva also scored for City, who are unbeaten in nine games in all competitions.The coach added: “I am happy for the victory. They had some good chances and Villarreal is a great team. The atmosphere is good and the first half was very good. We scored at the right moments and posed a good threat.” Guardiola’s team also ended a streak of five winless away games in the Champions League. City, which is unbeaten in nine games in all competitions, has already accumulated seven points in its three group stage matches. A favorable situation for a team that struggled last season and failed to reach the round of 16.“I’m happy that Erling scored again and also that Bernardo scored, with his head. I remember, it was a bit like Lionel Messi. It’s like a hammer. They have a hammer in their neck. They are small but very good with the contact of the head”, said Guardiola.
Guardiola
The City’s next challenge will be on Sunday against Aston Villa, where Haaland will seek to score for the seventh consecutive time in the Premier League.“The difference with last season is that we had injured players in the hospital. We had 15 or 16 players and they got tired after 70 minutes and needed to play every three games,” explained Guardiola.
Guardiola
