Kevin De Bruyne inspires Manchester City comeback in Crystal Palace rout

De Bruyne leads City's 5-2 fightback against Palace as he eyes Champions League qualification before leaving.

Manchester City's Mateo Kovacic (left) celebrates with Kevin De Bruyne (centre right) after scoring their third goal during the Premier League match at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester on April 12, 2025. Photo by Martin Rickett/PA Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Kevin De Bruyne inspired Manchester City to a dramatic 5-2 comeback victory over Crystal Palace at the Etihad Stadium, keeping their Champions League hopes alive. The Belgian midfielder, whose departure at the end of the season has already been confirmed, delivered a masterclass that reminded fans of his enduring brilliance and deep connection to the club. As he prepares to say goodbye to City after nearly a decade, De Bruyne made it clear he wants to leave on a high by securing a Champions League place for the team he has served so loyally.

A hero’s performance in his Etihad farewell

Playing in what may be one of his final matches at home for Manchester City, Kevin De Bruyne made sure it was a night to remember. From the first whistle, the 33-year-old was central to everything City did. But the evening didn’t start in City's favor. Crystal Palace stunned the home crowd by taking a 2-0 lead within the opening 21 minutes, thanks to goals from Eberechi Eze and Chris Richards.

Despite the early setback, City didn’t panic. They turned to their leader, and De Bruyne answered. With a stunning free-kick, he halved the deficit and gave the Etihad faithful hope. His goal wasn't just technically brilliant; it was emotionally charged — a moment that spoke volumes about his dedication to the club. The goal lifted the team, setting the tone for a spirited response.

The turning point

City’s equalizer came courtesy of Omar Marmoush before halftime, but again, it was De Bruyne’s influence that set the wheels in motion. Always searching for space, threading passes, and dragging defenders out of position, he was the metronome in midfield. Just minutes into the second half, De Bruyne found Mateo Kovacic with a perfectly weighted pass. The Croatian midfielder finished smartly, putting City in front for the first time in the match.

Then came the youth. With the game tilted in City’s favor, James McAtee and Nico O’Reilly both found the net, sealing a commanding 5-2 win. While the young stars grabbed headlines with their goals, it was De Bruyne’s creativity and composure that orchestrated the comeback.

De Bruyne’s message to the fans

After the match, Kevin De Bruyne reflected on the night with calm honesty. “I think it was important to score as quickly as possible and change the feeling of the game a bit,” he said. “I didn’t think we were playing that bad but the scoreline wasn’t good at all. We went from there.”

His words, as ever, were grounded and focused. “I want to go away with a Champions League (place) for this team because they deserve it,” he continued. “We’ve been in the Champions League for the nine, 10 years that I’ve been here so I hope we can do that for the team next year and I’ll just try to play good football like I’ve always done.”

Guardiola’s admiration remains strong

Pep Guardiola, who has relied on De Bruyne as the heartbeat of his Manchester City side for many years, was full of praise after the final whistle. “The performance of Kevin — as he has done for many, many years in many, many games — he played fantastic,” Guardiola said. “He helped us to break this momentum that was not good.”

The manager’s admiration wasn’t just about what De Bruyne does on the pitch. It was also about what he means to the squad and the club. “The gratitude we have, I have, to him is huge,” Guardiola added. “He’s done incredible and I know that he can deliver.”

A legacy that transcends trophies

Kevin De Bruyne’s time at Manchester City has been defined by silverware and superb performances. Six Premier League titles, countless assists, and match-winning displays have made him a legend in sky blue. Yet it is nights like this, when the team looks to him in a moment of crisis and he responds with heart and brilliance, that will define his legacy.

The comeback against Palace wasn’t just about three points. It was about reaffirming belief, staying in the Champions League hunt, and proving once again that De Bruyne is still a difference-maker.

With just six matches left in the Premier League season, Manchester City now sit in fourth place, edging closer to a top-five finish that could be crucial depending on UEFA's qualification permutations. Every point matters, and if De Bruyne can continue to perform at this level, City fans will have every reason to believe in a strong finish.

The Belgian playmaker, though diminished slightly by injuries over the past two seasons, is clearly far from finished. Saturday’s performance suggested he still has plenty left to offer before bidding farewell to the Etihad.

Champions League qualification is the goal

Kevin De Bruyne inspires Manchester City encapsulates the emotional and sporting narrative of this crucial win. De Bruyne has set the tone for City’s final run-in and made it clear that his farewell tour will be more than just sentimental — it will be purposeful.

His determination to lead City into next season’s Champions League speaks volumes about his loyalty and professionalism. This is not a farewell soaked in nostalgia alone. It is a challenge, a statement, and a mission.

A fitting farewell in progress

If Kevin De Bruyne’s final act in a Manchester City shirt includes guiding them back into Europe’s elite competition, it will be a fitting end to one of the most iconic Premier League careers in recent memory. For now, the fans can sit back and enjoy every moment he has left in sky blue, knowing that their midfield maestro is doing everything in his power to leave on the highest possible note.

As the race for the Champions League heats up, one thing is clear: Kevin De Bruyne inspires Manchester City not just with his vision and passing, but with his heart, leadership, and unshakable commitment to the club.