Manchester City’s midfield maestro Kevin De Bruyne delivered a performance for the ages in a stunning 5-2 comeback victory against Crystal Palace at the Etihad Stadium, and the Belgian star has now shared the driving force behind his brilliance: a burning desire to secure Champions League football for his final season with the club.
With City trailing 2-0 within the first 21 minutes after goals from Eberechi Eze and Chris Richards, the game seemed to be slipping away from Pep Guardiola’s side. However, De Bruyne, in what he has announced will be his last campaign with the Sky Blues, refused to let the match unravel. The 33-year-old sparked a remarkable turnaround, scoring a pinpoint free-kick to pull one back before orchestrating the attack that led to Omar Marmoush’s equalizer. City went on to dominate, with further goals from Mateo Kovacic, James McAtee, and Nico O’Reilly sealing a vital win that propelled them to fourth in the Premier League table.
Speaking to TNT Sports after the match, De Bruyne revealed his motivation stemmed from wanting to leave Manchester City on a high note. “I want to go away with a Champions League place,” he said, as reported by Goal.com. “It’s been a hard year, but I’ve been pain-free for the last six weeks, and that makes a massive difference. I’m going to enjoy every moment I have here.”
De Bruyne’s comments reflect his determination to cement his legacy at a club where he has spent a decade, winning six Premier League titles, a Champions League, and countless individual accolades. With only three home games left at the Etihad before his departure, the Belgian is savoring every opportunity to dazzle the fans who gave him a standing ovation as he was substituted late in the game.
Pep Guardiola was effusive in his praise for his departing star, declaring, “No one can do what Kevin De Bruyne has done.” The City boss highlighted De Bruyne’s ability to turn the tide, adding, “He was fantastic. The Kevin we have known for many years!”
The match itself was a rollercoaster, with Crystal Palace’s early set-piece prowess exposing City’s vulnerabilities—Palace now lead the league with 14 set-piece goals this season. Yet, De Bruyne’s leadership and vision shifted the momentum decisively. His free-kick, which rattled the post before finding the net, was described by The Independent as the moment that “sparked a comeback for the ages” from a player many consider City’s greatest ever.
De Bruyne’s performance also silenced doubters about his form, especially after a season plagued by injuries. His goal marked his 71st for City, and his assist for Kovacic’s strike added to his staggering tally of 119 Premier League assists, second only to Ryan Giggs in the competition’s history.