Kevin De Bruyne Honored in Final Etihad Match \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Omar Marmoush’s spectacular long-range goal overshadowed Kevin De Bruyne’s farewell in Manchester City’s 3-1 win over Bournemouth. De Bruyne received emotional tributes in his final Etihad appearance after 10 years at the club. With the win, City moves closer to securing Champions League qualification.
Quick Looks
- Marmoush scores 30-yard stunner in 3-1 City win
- Kevin De Bruyne honored in final Etihad appearance
- City moves to third place in Premier League standings
- Champions League qualification now in City’s control
- De Bruyne misses open goal in farewell match
- Emotional tributes include mosaic, statue, and renamed road
- Bernardo Silva and Nico Gonzalez add to City’s lead
- Bournemouth’s Jebbison nets consolation in stoppage time
- Match ends with both teams down to 10 men
- City bounces back from FA Cup final loss
- Final game vs. Fulham could seal UCL spot
- Crystal Palace continues momentum with 4-2 win over Wolves
- Rodri returns after ACL injury, eyes Club World Cup
Deep Look
Manchester City inched closer to Champions League qualification with a 3-1 win over Bournemouth, but it was a night of mixed emotions at the Etihad. While Pep Guardiola’s men secured a crucial three points, the evening belonged to Kevin De Bruyne, who was honored during his final home game after a decade of glittering success at the club.
Yet it was Omar Marmoush who stole the early spotlight. The forward unleashed a thunderous shot from nearly 30 yards out, his effort curling and dipping into the top corner after grazing the post. It was a goal worthy of the grand occasion—and one that even De Bruyne, known for his long-range brilliance, would have admired.
The Belgian midfielder had a chance to find the net himself in his farewell match, but he struck the crossbar from close range with the goal at his mercy. “Terrible, terrible,” De Bruyne said afterward. “No excuses. My son is going to be very tough on me today.”
City Closes in on Europe’s Elite
The result propelled Manchester City to third in the Premier League standings, positioning them well for Champions League qualification ahead of the final round. A single point against Fulham on Sunday should suffice due to City’s superior goal difference over top-four rivals Chelsea and Aston Villa.
Manager Pep Guardiola acknowledged the significance of the win. “It’s really important,” he said. “To be in the Champions League after the season we’ve had will be really nice.”
Bernardo Silva extended the lead with a tidy finish in the 38th minute, and substitute Nico Gonzalez added the third in the 89th. Bournemouth’s Deniel Jebbison pulled one back in stoppage time, but it was too late to spark a comeback.
The match also saw red cards for both teams in a feisty contest that reflected the high stakes as the Premier League season nears its conclusion.
De Bruyne’s Emotional Goodbye
De Bruyne, who will leave the club as a free agent this summer, received a hero’s farewell. A massive “King Kev” banner was unfurled, and fans rose for a standing ovation as he left the field in the second half, embracing Guardiola in an emotional moment on the touchline.
After the match, De Bruyne addressed the crowd alongside his wife and three children, visibly moved as he watched a video tribute featuring messages from City legends. A guard of honor from his teammates capped a night full of sentiment and appreciation.
The club announced that a statue of De Bruyne would be erected outside the stadium, joining those of Sergio Aguero, David Silva, and Vincent Kompany. Additionally, a mosaic of the midfielder has been unveiled at the club’s academy, and a road on the City campus now bears his name.
“It means I’ll always be part of this club,” De Bruyne said. “Whenever I come back with family and friends, I’ll be able to see myself. I will always be here.”
During his 10 years at the club, the 33-year-old helped City win 16 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League.
“There are players that are unique,” Guardiola said. “Today showed how much love there is for him.”
Rodri Returns Ahead of Club World Cup
Another highlight from the night was the return of Rodri, who came off the bench for his first appearance since suffering an ACL injury in September. The Ballon d’Or winner is expected to be fit in time for Manchester City’s campaign at the Club World Cup in the U.S. this summer.
His return boosts City’s midfield depth as they look to finish the season strong and prepare for international competition.
Palace Keeps the Party Going
Elsewhere, Crystal Palace followed up its FA Cup triumph over City with a thrilling 4-2 home victory over Wolves. Emmanuel Agbadou gave Wolves the lead, but Eddie Nketiah scored twice within five minutes to flip the game in Palace’s favor.
Eberechi Eze, the FA Cup final hero, was on the scoresheet again as the Eagles celebrated their first-ever major trophy with another statement performance at Selhurst Park.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.