Kevin De Bruyne’s Emotional Etihad Farewell: City Triumphs Over Bournemouth 3-1

Belgian maestro honored in final home appearance as City climbs to third in Premier League

MANCHESTER, England — Manchester City secured a 3-1 victory over Bournemouth on Tuesday, marking Kevin De Bruyne’s final appearance at the Etihad Stadium. Goals from Omar Marmoush, Bernardo Silva, and Nico González ensured the win, elevating City to third place in the Premier League with one match remaining.

De Bruyne, 33, received a heartfelt send-off after a decade with the club, during which he amassed 16 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and the 2023 Champions League. The midfielder was visibly emotional as he exited the pitch in the 69th minute to a standing ovation, following a missed opportunity earlier in the match

“It’s terrible. There’s no excuse,” De Bruyne commented on his miss. “My son is going to be very tough on me today.”

The match saw both teams reduced to ten men, with City’s Mateo Kovacic and Bournemouth’s Lewis Cook receiving red cards in the second half. Despite a late goal from Bournemouth’s Daniel Jebbison, City maintained control to secure the win

Midfielder Rodri made his return after an eight-month injury layoff, entering as a late substitute to a warm reception from the home crowd

City’s victory strengthens their position in the race for Champions League qualification, holding a two-point advantage over Newcastle United, Chelsea, and Aston Villa.