Author of a major performance against Crystal Palace, Kevin de Bruyne made his real comeback at the best of times. Returning at the start of the year after a long absence due to an ischio injury, the Belgian has been alternating between good and bad for several matches. Only once decisive in the last six Premier League matches, he was not yet at his best level. As the clash against Real Madrid approached, the City attacking midfielder excelled against the Eagles and gave his team victory, notably thanks to a magnificent goal found in the opposite corner.
A performance which did not leave Pep Guardiola indifferent. The City coach was very admiring of his player at the end of the match: “You talk about managers but players like Kevin make this game easy. He was arrested for five months. He was less well after the match against Newcastle but that's normal. To score such a double and make an assist, you really have to be special. He won the match single-handedly.” he greeted at a press conference. Like today, a great Kevin de Bruyne will be needed in three days to carry the Manchester City attack to Madrid.
