City Down Bournemouth 3-1 in De Bruyne’s Etihad Farewell

Manchester City delivered a memorable 3-1 win over Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium, a result that pushed them up to third place in the Premier League standings, but the night was about far more than league position. This game marked the end of an era as Kevin De Bruyne, one of the most decorated and influential midfielders in the club’s history, played his final home game in front of the City faithful. The anticipation and emotion were palpable even before kick-off, with tributes flooding social media, fans arriving early to catch a glimpse of the Belgian maestro, and banners across the Etihad reading “Thank You, Kevin” and “Our Midfield General.” On the pitch, City responded with a performance fitting of the occasion. Phil Foden opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a brilliantly timed volley, highlighting the fluid movement and link-up play often orchestrated by De Bruyne. developing over the years. Julian Álvarez doubled the lead on the half-hour mark after a clinical through-ball cut through the Bournemouth defense, highlighting City’s precision and attacking depth. Despite Bournemouth showing resilience and pulling one back through a corner routine in the second half, City never looked rattled, and Bernardo Silva’s late curling finish put the result beyond doubt.

However, the true highlight of the night came in the 78th minute, when Kevin De Bruyne was substituted for one final time at the Etihad. The stadium rose in unison as Guardiola embraced him on the touchline, and fans showered the Belgian with applause, tears, and chants that echoed his name across Manchester. It was a moment of reflection — for nearly a decade, De Bruyne has embodied vision, passion, and elite consistency, producing moments of brilliance that will live long in Premier League folklore. From stunning long-range strikes to pinpoint assists that defied physics, he changed the tempo of games and carved open defenses with ease. His stats tell one story — 100+ assists, 60+ goals, and multiple trophies — but his legacy is about far more: leadership, loyalty, and footballing intelligence. For Guardiola and City, replacing De Bruyne’s presence in midfield will be a monumental task, not just for his ability but for the heart he brought to the team. As City press on in their quest for European glory and domestic supremacy, the Etihad’s farewell to De Bruyne signifies a poignant moment — the departure of a club legend whose impact will resonate for generations. The match ended with celebration, but also with a quiet understanding that an iconic chapter in Manchester City’s story had just closed.