Manchester City gave Kevin De Bruyne a victory in his final appearance at Etihad Stadium, as Omar Marmoush, Bernardo Silva and Nico Gonzalez scored in a 3-1 Premier League win over Bournemouth on Tuesday that saw them climb to third in the table.
City have 68 points with one game remaining, two points above Newcastle United, Chelsea and Aston Villa in the nervy chase for a top-five finish and Champions League qualification.
The perfect send-off for KDB 🥹
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) May 20, 2025
Man City are up to third and in a strong position for #UCL football next season 🇪🇺✨#SSPL | #MCIBOU pic.twitter.com/SkczUIyQnU
An unbelievable ride 🩵 pic.twitter.com/IZl2xk2Z8b
— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 20, 2025
Both sides finished the game with 10 men after City's Mateo Kovacic was shown a red card in the 67th minute, followed by Lewis Cook for the visitors in the 73rd.
City were on the front foot from the whistle and Marmoush scored in the 14th minute when he drifted forward before unleashing a scorcher from 30 yards out that dipped just inside the top-left corner.
Bernardo Silva doubled their lead in the 38th when Ilkay Gundogan cut the ball back for the Portuguese who slotted it in at the near post and Nico Gonzalez struck in the 89th with a run from deep before whipping the ball past goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.
💪🩵BERNARDO🩵💪 pic.twitter.com/OCsFv32STo
— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 20, 2025
Daniel Jebbison pulled one back for Bournemouth seconds before the final whistle when he pounced on a careless pass to Ruben Dias before slotting the ball through goalkeeper Ederson's legs.
The visitors had squandered a terrific chance to equalise on the break in the first half, but a stretching Evanilson hit Marcus Tavernier's cross off the upright.
The night, however, belonged to captain De Bruyne, who played an emotional final home game after an illustrious 10-year career for City.
The only thing missing was a goal. The Belgian had a ridiculous first-half miss, hammering Marmoush's cross off the underside of the crossbar from close range and then holding his head in disbelief.
"I said I just have to be there, it's going to come," De Bruyne said of the miss. "It's terrible. There's no excuses. My son is going to be very tough on me today."
De Bruyne hugged his teammates when he was subbed off to a standing ovation in the 69th minute.
Legend. pic.twitter.com/NRuR6uSHWr
— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 20, 2025
🙌 @KevinDeBruyne 🙌 pic.twitter.com/yKNlbdFwev
— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 20, 2025
Accompanied by his family, he was feted with a post-game guard of honour from his teammates and City staff as the fans chanted "Oh Kevin De Bruyne!"
The Etihad give Kev a send-off he'll never forget 🤩🔵#SSPL | #MCIBOU pic.twitter.com/pS7mwbtSJS
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) May 20, 2025
Midfielder Rodri saw his first action in eight months, as a late substitute, entering the game to a standing ovation.
The 2024 Ballon D'Or winner had not played since tearing his anterior cruciate ligament in September.
What a sight 🩵 pic.twitter.com/0eoiXhiql2
— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 20, 2025
De Bruyne has lifted 16 trophies since joining City in 2015 — a haul that includes six Premier League titles and the Champions League in 2023.
Regarded as one of the league's greatest ever midfielders, the Belgian was central to City's success but has struggled with injuries in recent seasons.
Still, the 33-year-old admitted to a "little bit (of shock)" that he was not offered a new contract by City, and has said he believes he can still play in the Premier League.
City fans showed their appreciation by unfurling a gigantic "King Kev" banner.
Countless number 17 shirts dotted the crowd and some fans had their faces painted with "KDB."
Thank you, @KevinDeBruyne 👑 pic.twitter.com/L2ZFrr0HsN
— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 20, 2025