Villarreal 0-3 Manchester City: Yaya Toure & Mario Balotelli inspire comprehensive win to send Mancini's men second in Group A

Two goals from Yaya Toure edged Manchester City closer to qualification in the Champions League after they comfortably beat Villarreal at El Madrigal.

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The visitors proved superior throughout the game in an encounter that saw Mario Balotelli net another goal for his team, or his return to European action following his three-match ban for his Europa League dismissal against Dynamo Kiev last season.

Roberto Mancini rested the in-form Micah Richards and Sergio Aguero, while Stefan Savic, Samir Nasri and Balotelli all got the nod.

Meanwhile, Juan Garrido, with a plethora of injuries to worry about, including Marcos Senna, Cani and Cristian Zapata, brought in Mateo Musacchio, Hernan Perez and Joselu into the team.

Villarreal began the game by defending deep, as if to make a statement that a draw would suffice.

David Silva looked lively early on, linking up well with Balotelli and Toure, as he used his agility and quick feet to cause the home team problems.

Villarreal’s best opportunity of the half came when De Guzman delivered a perfect long-range ball to Joselu but the striker’s poor touch saw the ball escape from his grasp as Hart collected in his area.

In a match that was dubbed as City’s for the taking, the visitors struggled to penetrate into the oppositions’ box early on.

However, just before the half hour, Toure put Mancini’s men 1-0 up. Silva, alert and energetic, intercepted a pass by Rodriguez and the Spaniard charged forward and created an opportunity for Toure who finished calmly, side footing the ball past the keeper’s left.

The goal, Toure's first since the infamous FA Cup triumph last season, changed the dynamics of the game: City began to dictate the play and the home fans at the El Madrigal became quiet.

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Silva, exuding confidence and flair, permeated the midfield throughout the half, linking up well with Toure and Balotelli.  

Then, with the first half drawing to a close, the Spanish international was involved in City’s second goal. Silva spotted Balotelli just outside the box and, as the striker drove powerfully forward, he was fouled by Musacchio and a penalty was awarded. There was only one man who was going to take the penalty. Balotelli stepped up and coolly dispatched the ball into the bottom corner -sending the keeper the wrong way.

Silva was replaced by Adam Johnson on the 65th minute as the Spanish maestro went off clutching his hip.

Villarreal looked a demoralised team and their problems were further exacerbated as City grabbed their third goal of the game.

Mancini’s team charged forward to find the home team half-asleep and defensively all over the place. Balotelli threaded a square pass to Toure and the Ivorian, with great composure, passed the last defender and slotted the ball beyond the keeper.

Sergio Aguero came on late in the game but it proved more of a run around for the Argentine striker as City coasted until the final minute of the match.