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Pep Guardiola insisted his “numbers are not bad” in the Champions League after ending a 12-month winless streak away from home in the competition with a 2-0 victory over Villarreal on Tuesday.
Erling Haaland scored for the 12th consecutive game, his 24th for club and country this season, before Bernardo Silva doubled the lead shortly before half-time.
City spent the rest of the game quite comfortably at the Estadio de la Cerámica, as Guardiola’s team went nine games unbeaten in all competitions this season.
The result takes the Premier League team up to fifth place in the standings of Europe’s elite club competition and the performance pleased the City manager.
“It was really good, after being a little disappointed (the 2-2 draw against) Monaco. Nowadays, playing against a team in the Spanish league is very difficult, I know from my experience.
“And Villarreal in the last, I don’t know the last 23 times, they have been in Europe 17 or 18 times. That shows how good they are and how many good things they do. The coach, Marcelino, is a top-level coach.”
When asked about City’s recent dismal away record in Europe, Guardiola responded mildly, admitting that last season was a disappointment but that overall his team’s record has been solid.
He said: “Last season was not good, but I think our numbers in the Champions League last year are not bad. Personally, my numbers in the Champions League are not bad. But last season was a difficult season for us.”
“But the vibe and the way the team behaves and plays makes me feel good.”
Although Haaland once again grabbed the headlines, the City coach also praised young Englishman Rico Lewis, who provided the assist for the Norwegian’s goal.
“I’m pretty sure that 90% of people when they see Rico (Lewis) in line, they say ‘what’s the reason?’” Guardiola added.
“I love that player. These types of players, I adore them. Defensively and offensively, he is more than intelligent.
“I’m very happy for him in this game.”
Next up for City is a trip to Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday.
