14 March 2023 , 22:19
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Pep Guardiola told Kevin De Bruyne to go back to basics – but the Manchester City star simply went back to his mesmerising best.
This has been a curious season for De Bruyne, arguably City's most gifted player, but one in which he had failed to hit the exalted heights of previous campaigns.
Having started two of City's previous three games on the bench, De Bruyne was restored to the starting line-up and enjoyed a triumphant return to form to answer his critics.
Having referred to himself as an “old man” in football terms, 31-year-old De Bruyne acknowledged time is running out for him to add the Champions League to his already glittering CV.
He insisted he would be happy with the honours he has already won if he never did manage to add European club football's elite prize to his name, but the way he played last night suggested otherwise.
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De Bruyne played like a man possessed, chasing down lost balls, harrying opponents and playing as if affronted that a player of his rare gifts could ever justifiably be left out of the starting line-up.
De Bruyne turned in a stunning display (AFP via Getty Images)Leipzig's players were served an early warning of De Bruyne's enduring threat with two dangerous crosses from the right inside the first 15 minutes, as he revelled in the freedom he was afforded.
It was De Bruyne's exquisite technique that led to City's second goal, his long-range shot crashing off the underside of the bar, the rebound headed in by Erling Haaland, en route to a first-half hat-trick.
Leipzig were blown away by De Bruyne and City (Getty Images)De Bruyne had a hand in City's superbly-worked fourth goal, his first-time pass to Haaland in the build-up to Ilkay Gunogan's strike keeping the majestically fluid move going as Leipzig were torn apart.
It was fitting De Bruyne ended the game wearing the captain's armband after Gundogan went off, the Belgium international leading from the front as City eye the one prize they covet above all others.
De Bruyne capped a magnificent display with a stunning goal in the final minute of added time, to make it 7-0 on the night.