The game was filled with emotions.
Image credit: Manchester City
Manchester City gave fans something to cheer about by beating Bournemouth 3-1 in their last home game of the season.
The match was extra special because it was Kevin De Bruyne’s final game at the Etihad Stadium before leaving the club.
A Must-Win Game for City
City had a tough week after losing the FA Cup final to Crystal Palace.
They really needed to win this match to stay in the top five of the Premier League and secure a spot in next season’s Champions League — the most important club competition in Europe.
This win puts Manchester City in third place.
Now, if they get at least a draw (a tie) against Fulham on Sunday, they’ll qualify for the Champions League.
A Night Full of Emotion
The game was filled with emotions. Fans stood and cheered for Kevin De Bruyne as he walked onto the field with his family.
💙👋🏻 Man City fans pay tribute to Kevin De Bruyne on his final home appearance! pic.twitter.com/2wU2kdSbFc
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 20, 2025
He has played at Manchester City for many years and has been one of their most important players. This was his 142nd and final league match at their home stadium.
Another big moment was when Rodri came back from injury. He hadn’t played since September, so fans were happy to see him again.
How the Goals Were Scored
The first goal came from Omar Marmoush in the 14th minute. He hit a powerful shot from far outside the box, and the ball curved into the net after bouncing off the post.
Later in the first half, Bernardo Silva scored the second goal for City, giving them a comfortable lead.
De Bruyne had a great chance to score as well. Marmoush passed the ball to him just a few feet from the goal, but somehow De Bruyne hit the ball onto the crossbar instead of into the net.
In the second half, Mateo Kovačić was sent off with a red card after pulling down a Bournemouth player who was about to score. That meant City had to play with 10 men.
Even so, substitute Nico González scored a third goal for City in the 89th minute. It was his first goal for the club.
Bournemouth scored a late goal in injury time through Dan Jebbison, but it wasn’t enough to change the result.
Bournemouth’s Lewis Cook was also sent off for a rough tackle, so both teams ended the game with 10 players.
Saying Goodbye to a Star
Even though there were goals and cards, the night really belonged to Kevin De Bruyne.
The 33-year-old midfielder has been a key part of City’s success over the years.
When he was taken off in the 69th minute, fans gave him a standing ovation, and teammate Erling Haaland gave him a big hug.
Bournemouth’s Struggles
Bournemouth needed a win to have any chance of qualifying for European football next season, but this loss means that dream is over. They are now 11th in the league.
They’ve had a good season overall but have only won one of their last five games.
Hitting the goalpost so often didn’t help—they’ve done it 23 times this season, more than any other team!
Some of their best players might leave the team soon.
Dean Huijsen is already set to join Real Madrid, and other big teams like Manchester City and Liverpool are interested in Milos Kerkez.
What’s Next?
Manchester City will play Fulham in their last game of the season.
