Villarreal 0 - 3 Manchester City: Blues enjoy comfortable win in Spain

Mario Balotelli, making his first appearance in the competition this season, was also on target from the penalty spot as City recorded back-to-back wins over the Spaniards to move second in Group A.

It was a result that rarely seemed in doubt as City dominated but of possible concern to them was the sight of the influential David Silva leaving the field clutching his back.

Otherwise Mancini’s only headache may have been the physical one he received when jumping up and banging himself on the roof of the dugout during the first half.

City’s hopes of reaching the knockout stage could still hinge on their next vital away assignment at Napoli but they at least now have a two-point advantage over the Italians and a win will make certain.

The injury-ravaged Spaniards, whose form in their own domestic competition has been poor, made a positive start.

City did manage to get hold of possession for good spells but it soon became apparent they would have to be patient against the resilient hosts. It was not until the 20th minute they seriously threatened when Samir Nasri fired wide.

David Silva, a former hero at nearby Valencia stole possession from the feet of Perez to set up the opening goal for Toure on the half hour. The dynamic Ivorian raced through as Silva slid a perfect pass into the box and opened his body to sidefoot past Diego Lopez.

City doubled their lead from the penalty spot in time added on at the end of the first half after Mateo Musacchio clipped the ankles of Balotelli.

Villarreal protested but Balotelli held his nerve – despite apparent attempts from someone in the crowd to put him off with a laser pen – and firmly dispatched a low shot.

City carried their dominance into the second half, Silva wining another free-kick in dangerous territory after a menacing run but Balotelli’s shot was deflected wide.

Villarreal seemed broken and had little to offer aside from a tame shot from former West Brom midfielder Borja Valero that Hart claimed easily.

Silva, who had caused the hosts numerous problems, was withdrawn by Mancini midway through the second half, possibly because of injury.

City carried on without him, Toure claiming his second after 71 minutes with a goal that made the game look all too easy.

Nasri fed Balotelli down the left and the striker looked up to pass inside for Toure, who casually glided past Jose Catala before stroking the ball past Lopez.

It proved Toure’s last involvement with Mancini replacing him with Aguero moments later.

Aguero, accused of mocking Villarreal players after his late winner against them a fortnight ago, was jeered as he ran on.

The game was long won for City and it almost became a training exercise as they wound down the closing minutes and the ground emptied.

Villarreal: Diego Lopez, Mario, Rodriguez, Musacchio, Catala, De Guzman (Angel 76), Marchena, Valero, Wakaso (Bordas 76), Perez (Joan Oriol 84), Joselu. Subs Not Used: Cesar, Gullon, Tomas, Fofo..

Man City: Hart, Zabaleta, Kompany, Savic, Clichy, De Jong, Toure Yaya (Aguero 74), Milner, Silva (Johnson 65), Nasri, Balotelli (Kolarov 82). Subs Not Used: Pantilimon, Lescott, Dzeko, Barry.