Omar Marmoush’s stunning long-range strike on Tuesday upstaged Kevin de Bruyne on the Manchester City great’s Etihad farewell.
Marmoush let fly from about 30m to put City ahead in their 3-1 win against AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League.
The victory moved Pep Guardiola’s team up to third in the standings and left qualification for the UEFA Champions League in their own hands heading into the last round of the season.
Photo: Reuters
“It’s really important. To be in the Champions League after what happened [this season] will be really nice,” the City manager said.
De Bruyne was making his final home appearance for City before leaving the club as a free agent at the end of the season.
After a trophy-laden 10 years, the Belgium international was greeted with a huge banner declaring him “King Kev” and given a standing ovation when he was substituted off in the second half.
Photo: Reuters
However, it was Marmoush’s goal after 14 minutes that lit up the match as his dipping shot clipped the post before crashing into the top corner.
It was the type of goal that De Bruyne would have been proud of in a career that has seen him score numerous spectacular strikes of his own.
De Bruyne missed a glorious chance to cap his farewell with a goal when missing an open net from close range — shooting against the bar.
Photo: Reuters
“Terrible, terrible,” De Bruyne said of his miss. “There’s no excuses. My son is going to be very tough on me today.”
Bernardo Silva doubled City’s lead in the 38th minute and substitute Nico Gonzalez added a third in the 89th. Deniel Jebbison pulled one back for Bournemouth in added-time in a game that saw both teams reduced to 10 men.
The win saw City bounce back from their FA Cup final loss to Crystal Palace on Saturday. It also means City need a point in their final game against Fulham on Sunday to all but guarantee Champions League soccer next season, given their superior goal difference to top-five rivals Chelsea and Aston Villa.
The loss ended Bournemouth’s slim hopes of qualifying for Europe.
De Bruyne was fighting back tears as he addressed the crowd after the match and watched a video montage of tributes from club greats on the stadium’s big screen.
He was given a guard of honor by his teammates as he walked to the middle of the field with his wife and three children.
City said it would erect a statue in his honor outside the stadium.
“It means I will always be part of this club,” De Bruyne said. “Whenever I come back with family and friends, I will be able to see myself so I will always be here.”
In Tuesday’s other game, Crystal Palace beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 4-2, with Eddie Nketiah scoring twice.
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