Another goal for Erling Haaland. Josep Guardiola is injured again in midfield.
There are some things that will never change for Manchester City.
Tuesday’s 2-0 away win at Villarreal in the Champions League was a bittersweet result for Guardiola as prolific striker Haaland scored his 24th goal in 14 games for club and country this season.
The Norway international has now scored 53 goals in 51 career games in the Champions League, and has scored in nine consecutive games in all competitions for City. Mr. Haaland has already the shape of his life.
“It’s impossible to protect him,” said City midfielder Rico Luiz.
However, their second win in three games in the expanded league stage of the competition cost them when Holding midfielder Nico Gonzalez limped off with an apparent right knee injury early in the second half.
Gonzalez is replacing the fellow Spaniard. Rodriis currently sidelined with a hamstring injury after missing most of last season with a torn ACL.
Mateo Kovacic came on for Gonzalez in the 56th minute, with the Croatian midfielder just returning from a five-month absence due to an Achilles injury.
Bernardo Silva also scored for City, extending their unbeaten run in all competitions to nine games.
Guardiola’s team ended without a win in five consecutive away games in the Champions League.
Next up is a trip to Aston Villa on Sunday, where Haaland will aim to make it seven consecutive Premier League games.
___
AP Soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
