An emotional atmosphere enveloped the Etihad Stadium, Tuesday (20/5/2025) when Manchester City won 3-1 over Bournemouth in the 37th week of the 2024/2025 Premier League season.
This match was an emotional moment for Kevin De Bruyne who played his last home match with The Citizens.
Although he did not score, De Bruyne was still in the spotlight that night. The midfield maestro received extraordinary respect from the loyal City ers who filled the stadium, marking the end of a glorious era that he had lived for almost a decade under the banner of Manchester Blue.
With this victory, Manchester City strengthened its position in the competition for next season’s Champions League. However, the main spotlight remained on Kevin De Bruyne, who ended his career at the Etihad with a standing ovation and hugs from his teammates.
The match was dynamic from the start. City opened the lead through Omar Marmoush’s spectacular goal in the 14th minute. Nicknamed the “Prince of Egypt,” Marmoush unleashed a rocket from 25 yards that hit the left corner of the Bournemouth goal beyond the reach of goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne had threatened to double the score, but their efforts were thwarted by the crossbar and Kepa’s strong action.
It was not until the 38th minute that Bernardo Silva managed to increase the home side’s lead. A chaotic moment in front of goal was well utilized by the Portuguese midfielder, who scored at the near post to put City 2-0 up at halftime.
In the second half, Bournemouth tried to get out of the pressure. Antoine Semenyo created several chances through individual action, but the final finish was still not perfect.
The match heated up in the 66th minute when Mateo Kovacic was given a straight red card for a hard foul. However, Bournemouth’s numerical advantage only lasted seven minutes, as Lewis Cook was also sent off for a similar foul.
In the closing stages, substitute Nico Gonzalez scored City’s third goal in the 89th minute to seal the win for the hosts. Bournemouth pulled one back through Daniel Jebbison in injury time, but the score remained 3-1 until the final whistle.
