Manchester City have beaten Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu in the first leg of their Champions League clash, and it was largely thanks to one man.
Kevin de Bruyne put in a remarkable display in the Spanish capital. He was absolutely everywhere, displaying the type of attacking intent and passing range that few players in world football could match.
He had been performing wonderfully throughout the game, but it was his pinpoint cross that allowed Gabriel Jesus to nod home City's equaliser.
Gabriel Jesus leaps up behind Sergio Ramos and heads Man City level!
What a ball from KDB!! 🎯#RMAMCI #UCL #VMSport pic.twitter.com/30ls4N5vY6— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) February 26, 2020
When Raheem Sterling was taken down in the penalty area a few minutes later, he stepped up to slot away the resulting penalty.
Kevin De Bruyne
Ice in the veins. ❄️#RMAMCI #UCL #VMSport pic.twitter.com/uhRzOXeLJQ— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) February 26, 2020
It was a just reward for someone who was the best player on the pitch.
While we have known about de Bruyne's qualities for a number of years now, he seems to have elevated his game to another level over the past 12 months or so. Even if City have not been as dominant in the league this season, you could argue he would be deserving of the PFA Player of the Year award.
There are few, if any, midfielders in world football who you would take ahead of him at the moment.
That is certainly the opinion of Rio Ferdinand, who said the Belgian is in a class of his own in many aspects of the game on BT Sport after the match.
"He does everything, his athleticism, his pass appreciation, in the final third.."
Is Kevin de Bruyne the best midfielder in the world right now? @RioFerdy5 thinks so. pic.twitter.com/8yn9mPUjGu— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) February 26, 2020
He's the best midfielder in the world right now. I don't think there's anyone near him right now, in terms of what he can do.
We saw in that game, his athleticism in terms of running away from people, his pass appreciation, his decision making in the final third.
Most of the time, 99 per cent of the time, he gets it right.
He was also typically humble in his post-match interview.
"You have to go through the storm .. our response was brilliant!"
A goal and an assist in the same game in the Champions League for the first time for Kevin de Bruyne as he led Man City back from the brink! 👊
🎙 @DesKellyBTS pic.twitter.com/fkCfTv5OzN— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) February 26, 2020
The league title may be out of reach, but de Bruyne will have a massive part to play if City are to claim Champions League success for the first time in their history.
