Manchester City pulled off a shock 2-1 win over Real Madrid in Wednesday night’s Champions League last-16 clash and Kevin De Bruyne was one of many players who impressed. With City 1-0 down in the second half, the Belgian international set up Gabriel Jesus for the equaliser and tucked away a penalty minutes later to seal the victory.
Not only did De Bruyne have a hand in both goals at the Santiago Bernabeu, he saw a lot of the ball over the 90 minutes, created numerous chances for his teammates, had multiple scoring opportunities himself, frequently took on his opponents, turned over possession a couple of times and whipped in more crosses than any of his teammates.
Jesus and KDB immense tonight. #MCFC
— TheFirstONeill (@TheFirstONeill) February 26, 2020
https://twitter.com/Lucas_JJ93/status/1232786627266777090?s=20
KDB masterclass #mcfc what a result.
— aimitch™🦋 (@aimitch) February 26, 2020
Is there any better sight in football than KdB receiving the ball in the middle of the pitch, turning and running at a defence? Awesome. #mcfc
— El Slacko (@im_slacko) February 26, 2020
#KDB's passing has gone up another level this season. His composure during the counter attacks is amazing. #RMAMCI #MCFC
— Sashi-kumar (@RealSashi) February 26, 2020
KDB – best in Europe!! #mcfc
— Mayank Adhye (@MayankAdhye) February 27, 2020
I rewatched the match again this morning without the stress & tension that comes with watching it live. Yes, KdB deserves the plaudits but Gündogan was immense. Perfectly suited to CL football. #mcfc
— El Slacko (@im_slacko) February 27, 2020
ICYMI: Kevin De Bruyne’s game by numbers vs. Real Madrid:
✅ 100% goal involvement
✅ 30 final third passes (most)
✅ 6 crosses (joint most)
✅ 4 chances created (most)
✅ 3 successful take-ons (most)
✅ 3 shots (second most)Big. Game. Player 👑 #MCFC pic.twitter.com/FLQmdpQ91T
— Moe (@moe_official10) February 27, 2020
Against Real Madrid, the 28-year-old had 68 touches, won one aerial duel, completed 81.6% of his 49 passes, created four chances, had three shots with 33% accuracy, whipped in six crosses with 17% accuracy, found a teammate with 50% of his long balls, made two interceptions, gave away two fouls and had three successful dribbles.
If City avoid defeat in the home leg, they’ll have knocked out one of the favourites to win the Champions League and booked their place in the quarter-finals.