Manchester City scored a vital Champions League victory tonight to go two points clear in second place of Group A.
Roberto Mancini's men produced a fairly comfortable 3-0 away win at Villarreal thanks to a Yaya Toure double and a Mario Balotelli penalty which enabled City to move ahead of Napoli who were beaten 3-2 by group leaders Bayern Munich.
The opening goal came on the half-hour mark when David Silva played in Yaya on the edge of the box and the Ivorian midfielder took one step inside the area before sliding his right-footed shot into the corner past Diego Lopez.
A second goal came in stoppage time of the first half when Balotelli was brought down in the area by Mateo Musacchio and he picked himself up to slot home for a commanding lead to the visitors.
Villarreal had little to offer up front as City defended with apparent ease and the home side's job was made that much harder when Toure made it 3-0 just under 20 minutes from time. Samir Nasri played in Balotelli and the Italian found Toure who glided past Jose Catala before finishing neatly past Lopz to essentially wrap up proceedings.
The only worrying moment of the night for Mancini was when key playmaker Silva had to be subbed off clutching his back in the 65th minute but overall the Italian tactician will be pleased to move one step further towards knockout phase qualification.
Champions League Group A
Villarreal (ESP): 0 Manchester City (ENG): 3 (Yaya Toure 30'/71', Mario Balotelli (p) 45+3') El Madrigal, Villarreal
Yellow cards:VIL - Wakaso Mubarak 27', Jose Manuel Catala 39', Mateo Musacchio 45+1', Carlos Marchena 45+3', Hernan Perez 68' MANC - Mario Balotelli 27'
