Is the scene set for a vintage Kevin De Bruyne performance against Real Madrid? | OneFootball

It isn’t an outlandish statement to say that we are nearing the end of the storied career of Kevin De Bruyne. The Belgian international is, without a doubt, a Manchester City legend. He has proven that during his time at the club. Throughout his City career, we have seen De Bruyne rise to the occasion on the biggest of stages. The stage doesn’t get much bigger than facing Real Madrid in the Champions League. So, is the scene set for De Bruyne to put in a vintage performance at the Etihad tonight?

Kevin De Bruyne hasn’t started Manchester City’s past two games against Leyton Orient and Arsenal. You do get the impression that De Bruyne has had his minutes managed to be cherry ripe for tonight’s Champions League knockout phase play-off first leg at the Etihad. De Bruyne did make a match-winning cameo against Leyton Orient. He scored City’s winner late in the second half and put in a lively display. Based on what he showed at the Gaughan Group Stadium, it does appear that De Bruyne may be ready to go for tonight’s match.

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We have seen De Bruyne shine against Real Madrid in seasons past. His goals have been crucial to his team’s quality performances against the La Liga giants over the past three seasons. The hope is that if he does start, he can wind back the clock tonight and continue that form against Carlo Ancelotti’s side. If he can, De Bruyne could be a crucial player tonight. You do sense that Manchester City must take a lead to the Bernabeu out of tonight’s game. To do that, they may well need De Bruyne at his best tonight.

The scene may be set for Kevin De Bruyne to put in a vintage De Bruyne performance at the Etihad tonight. If he can wind back the clock, he may well have a massive influence on tonight’s result. It will be interesting to see if he does start tonight, but if he does, you wouldn’t bet against him making an impact at the Etihad tonight.