New Delhi: Manchester City bounced back from their FA Cup final heartbreak against Crystal Palace by securing a crucial 3-1 win over Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium. The victory lifts them to third in the Premier League table, putting them in a strong position to secure a Champions League spot heading into the final day of the season.
While much of the pre-match attention centred around Kevin De Bruyne’s final home appearance for the club, City had business to take care of on the pitch after a disappointing campaign. A point against Fulham in their last game should now be enough to seal a top-five finish and avoid the unthinkable of missing out on Europe’s elite competition.
Despite the emotional backdrop, it was Omar Marmoush who lit up the evening with an early goal-of-the-season contender. The striker received the ball in space and unleashed a thunderous 30-yard strike that swerved and crashed off the post into the net, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
Has to be goal of the season right? 💥
Out of this world from @OmarMarmoush! 🇪🇬✨ pic.twitter.com/nRllxhZYuq
— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 20, 2025
Marmoush then turned provider for what should have been a fairytale moment for De Bruyne. He squared the ball perfectly across the six-yard box, only for the Belgian to somehow lift his shot onto the crossbar with the goal at his mercy. De Bruyne could only walk away in disbelief, later admitting, “It was terrible, terrible… there are no excuses.”
Bernardo and Gonzalez seal the points
City doubled their lead before the break through Bernardo Silva with his well-worked move. But Bournemouth reminded City of their defensive frailties when Evanilson nearly pulled one back, his flick brushing the post.
Midway through the second half, City were reduced to 10 men when Mateo Kovacic was shown a red card for a last-man foul on Evanilson but the visitors didn’t hold the advantage for long. Bournemouth’s Lewis Cook was sent off moments later for a dangerous tackle on Nico Gonzalez.
After replacing De Bruyne, Gonzalez made an immediate impact by scoring City’s third and his first Premier League goal. He danced through Bournemouth’s defence before smashing a low drive past the keeper to effectively seal the win.
Rodri returns, City look solid
The Ballon d’Or winner is back! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/iM5q92RPvA
— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 20, 2025
Another major positive for City came in the form of Rodri’s return. The influential midfielder came off the bench for his first appearance since suffering ligament damage in September, giving Pep Guardiola another option heading into the final week of the campaign.
Although Daniel Jebbison pulled one back late for the visitors, it was little more than a consolation as Bournemouth’s hopes of qualifying for Europe ended with the defeat.
Eyes on Fulham and the final farewell for De Bruyne
City will now shift their focus to the final game of the season against Fulham. A draw will be enough to guarantee Champions League qualification, but for the players and fans, the evening belonged to De Bruyne, even if the perfect ending eluded him in front of goal. As Guardiola summed up: “It is a sad day, he will be missed, there is no doubt about that.”
The title-winning midfielder’s final act in sky blue may come away from home but his legacy is forever etched into the Etihad. For now, City can take comfort in a much-needed win and the prospect of another European campaign.
Manchester City secured a vital 3-1 win over Bournemouth, with goals from Marmoush, Silva, and González, edging closer to a Champions League spot. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
