Manchester City’s Belgian star Kevin De Bruyne had already announced that he would be leaving the club at the end of the current season. As a result, Tuesday’s (May 20) match against Bournemouth marked his final appearance at the Etihad Stadium. City sealed a 3–1 victory, giving De Bruyne the perfect send-off.
The midfielder started the match, but was substituted in the 69th minute by manager Pep Guardiola. Before leaving the pitch, De Bruyne was given a warm tribute by his teammates, acknowledging his legacy at the club.
City took the lead in the 14th minute through Omar Marmoush, who scored a stunning long-range strike from 30 yards out—a goal likely to feature among the best of the season. Bernardo Silva doubled the lead in the 38th minute. In the second half, Nico Gonzalez, who came on as De Bruyne’s replacement, scored City’s third goal in the 89th minute.
Bournemouth pulled one back in stoppage time, but it was too little, too late.
The match also saw both teams reduced to 10 men. City’s Mateo Kovacic was sent off with a red card in the 67th minute, followed by Bournemouth’s Lewis Cook in the 73rd minute.
With this win, Manchester City all but secured their place in next season’s UEFA Champions League. They now sit third on the table with 68 points from 37 matches. A single point in their final game, against Fulham next week, will guarantee their qualification.
UA / TDS
