JAKARTA - Despite Marquinhos' opener in the first leg of the semifinals between Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City last Wednesday, Kevin De Bruyne was outstanding to inspire the visitors to a 2-1 win at the Parc de Princes.
After several failed attempts, the Sky Blues are getting closer to reaching the final of Europe's premier club competition for the first time in their history. In addition, Pep Guardiola is also ready to reach his first final since becoming Barcelona coach.
De Bruyne, meanwhile, was undoubtedly the player who helped Manchester City set one foot on their Champions League final in Istanbul.
Sensational second halfOnly halfway! pic.twitter.com/6DYu1mWmvL
- Kevin De Bruyne (@DeBruyneKev) April 28, 2021
De Bruyne was Manchester City's best player in the second half last Wednesday. By casually operating between the lines, and helping to keep the ball in circulation outside the hosts' penalty box, continued to create danger in front of PSG's goal.
The Belgium international was also the man to open the scoring after his cross was misunderstood by Keylor Navas. The ball ends in the far corner of the former Real Madrid goalkeeper.
"It was a shot in a perfect position and very difficult for the goalkeeper because he always expects someone to touch it," De Bruyne told Manchester City's official website.
Big game player! 🔥🔷 #ManCity | https://t.co/axa0klD5re pic.twitter.com/zE7T4t1WWK
- Manchester City (@ManCity) April 28, 2021
"It was incredible for us, and I think we kept going and obviously with Riyad (Mahrez) 's second goal, it was good for us but there are still games left so we have to concentrate. We know there will be moments in the second leg in the where we suffer.
"Quality at this stage, we know how good they (PSG) are so you have to focus that you have to work hard for the team. But we know we also have the quality to play well against them and that will happen in the second game too."
Tied until 2025After six months of negotiations between De Bruyne and Manchester City, the club announced an extension of their star contract until 2025 in early April.
With nine goals and 17 assists in 37 games so far this season, the Belgian forward has guided his side to Carabao Cup success, FA Cup semi-finals, possible Premier League victory, and they are only a step away from the Champions League final.
If Manchester City get rid of PSG and mathematically manage to secure another Premier League title in the next few games, Guardiola's side will have enough time to focus on chasing their first Champions League trophy.
And with De Bruyne's current form, it will be very difficult for Mauricio Pochettino's team to prevent The Citizens from progressing to the final of Europe's premier competition.
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