Kevin De Bruyne leads Manchester City to comeback win against Crystal Palace

Indeed, class is eternal. Manchester City completed a dramatic comeback victory with the help of Kevin De Bruyne (34), who announced his farewell at the end of this season, contributing 1 goal and 1 assist.

Manchester City achieved a comeback win of 5-2 against Crystal Palace in the 32nd round of the 2024-2025 Premier League (PL) held at Selhurst Park in London, England, at 8:30 p.m. on the 12th (Korean time).

As a result, Manchester City jumped to 4th place with 55 points (16 wins, 7 draws, 9 losses), igniting the race for a UEFA Champions League (UCL) ticket available to the top five for next season. However, with Chelsea in 5th place, having played one less game and Newcastle in 6th place having played two less games (both with 53 points), complacency is not an option.

On the other hand, Palace suffered a disappointing comeback defeat at home, ending their five-match unbeaten streak. They now sit in 11th place with 43 points (11 wins, 10 draws, 10 losses).

Manchester City started in a 4-2-3-1 formation. The starting lineup consisted of Omar Marmoush, Ilkay Gündoğan, Kevin De Bruyne, James McAtee, Nico González, Mateo Kovačić, Matt O'Riley, Josko Gvardiol, Rúben Dias, Rico Lewis, and Ederson.

Palace opted for a 3-4-2-1 formation. Jean-Philippe Mateta, Eberechi Eze, Ismaïla Sarr, Tyrick Mitchell, Gamada Daichi, Adam Warton, Daniel Munoz, Jefferson Lerma, Maxence Lacroix, and Crystal Richards were the starters.

Palace had a strong start. In the 8th minute of the first half, Sarr penetrated down the right side and delivered a perfect ground cross to the opposite side, which Eze finished with ease. Manchester City experienced a disappointment when Marmoush squandered a one-on-one opportunity in the 13th minute.

Palace struck again. In the 21st minute of the first half, Richards scored with a powerful header from a corner kick, making it 2-0. Ederson rushed out of the goal but failed to touch the ball.

Manchester City retaliated. In the 24th minute of the first half, De Bruyne's shot from the top of the arc hit the left goalpost. However, they managed to get a goal back. De Bruyne executed a brilliantly placed free-kick shot between the defensive wall in the 33rd minute, and the ball hit the left post and went into the net.

Buoyed by the goal, Manchester City brought the game back to level. In the 36th minute of the first half, McAtee cut into the left side of the box and delivered a cross. De Bruyne headed it down, and Gündoğan's mistimed shot went sideways. Marmoush took another shot, which deflected off a defender and entered the goal. The first half ended at 2-2.

Manchester City successfully took the lead immediately at the start of the second half. In the 2nd minute of the second half, De Bruyne calmly passed the ball back after receiving it in the box. Kovačić connected with a long-range shot, shaking the net.

Once ignited, Manchester City's offense showed no signs of slowing down. In the 11th minute of the second half, Ederson delivered a laser long pass to the front. McAtee brilliantly slipped past the defense, rounded the goalkeeper, and slid the ball into the empty net. He celebrated with a tumbling ceremony after scoring in his PL debut.

An injury setback occurred. In the 25th minute of the second half, Ederson suddenly collapsed with pain in his groin during a light passing play. He was eventually replaced by backup goalkeeper Stefan Ortega.

Manchester City sealed the game with their fifth goal. In the 34th minute of the second half, a ball cleared by the Palace defense fell near the arc. O'Riley connected with it for a precise left-footed volley, piercing the corner of the net. This was O'Riley's debut goal in the PL. No further goals were scored, and the match concluded with a resounding comeback victory for Manchester City.

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