Belgian Maestro Leads Charge as Champions Overcome Shock 2-0 Deficit to Keep Champions League Hopes Alive
In a match that encapsulated the never-say-die spirit of champions, Kevin De Bruyne orchestrated a breathtaking Manchester City comeback as Pep Guardiola’s side roared back from 2-0 down to thrash Crystal Palace 5-2 in a pulsating Premier League clash at the Etihad.
Palace Shock City with Early Double
The visitors, riding high on a 10-game unbeaten run, stunned the home crowd with two quick-fire goals. Eberechi Eze broke the deadlock after just eight minutes, curling in a delightful finish, before Chris Richards powered home a header in the 21st minute to double Palace’s lead. For a brief moment, it seemed Oliver Glasner’s side might pull off a major upset—until De Bruyne took matters into his own hands.
De Bruyne’s Masterclass Turns the Tide
The Belgian midfielder, who is set to end his decade-long stay at City this summer, delivered a performance that reminded everyone why he remains one of the world’s finest. After rattling the post with a thunderous strike, he bent in a sensational 25-yard free-kick on 33 minutes to spark the comeback.
Just three minutes later, his brilliant headed assist set up Omar Marmoush for the equalizer, sending the Etihad into raptures. From there, City never looked back.
Second-Half Blitz Seals the Win
The second half was all about Guardiola’s men as they overwhelmed Palace with relentless attacking play. De Bruyne turned provider again, teeing up Mateo Kovačić for City’s third (47′), before James McAtee raced onto a long Ederson pass to coolly slot home the fourth (56′).
Youngster Nico O’Reilly then capped off a dream afternoon with a deflected volley (79′) to complete the rout and send City two points clear in fourth, strengthening their grip on a Champions League spot.
What This Means
For Palace, the defeat halts their impressive unbeaten streak, but they remain 11th with 43 points—still in the hunt for European football next season.
For City, this was a statement win. With De Bruyne in this kind of form, their top-four destiny is firmly in their own hands. And if this was indeed one of his final Etihad appearances, what a way to bow out.
Final Score: Manchester City 5-2 Crystal Palace
Scorers: De Bruyne (33′), Marmoush (36′), Kovačić (47′), McAtee (56′), O’Reilly (79′); Eze (8′), Richards (21′)
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