Manchester City staged a remarkable comeback to secure a thrilling 5-2 victory over Crystal Palace at the Etihad Stadium on April 12, 2025. The Cityzens, who were in desperate need of points to secure a Champions League spot for next season, found themselves in a precarious position early in the match, trailing 2-0 within the first 20 minutes.
Eberechi Eze opened the scoring for Palace in the 8th minute, finishing off a swift counter-attack that saw Ismaïla Sarr deliver a perfect cross. Just 13 minutes later, Chris Richards doubled the lead, nodding in from a corner as City’s defense looked alarmingly vulnerable.
However, the match took a dramatic turn when Kevin De Bruyne stepped up to take a free-kick in the 33rd minute. His curling effort hit the inside of the post and nestled into the net, igniting a comeback for the home side. De Bruyne, who is set to leave City at the end of the season, showcased his magic once again, orchestrating play and driving his teammates forward.
Just two minutes into the second half, Mateo Kovacic leveled the score at 2-2 with a composed finish after De Bruyne's lay-off. The momentum had shifted dramatically in favor of the hosts, and they capitalized on it swiftly. In the 56th minute, James McAtee, making his full Premier League debut, scored City’s third goal, finishing coolly after a brilliant long pass from goalkeeper Ederson.
City weren't done yet. Nico O'Reilly added a fourth in the 79th minute, his volley deflecting off Nathan Clyne to find the bottom corner. The scoring was capped off by a stunning performance from De Bruyne, who not only scored but also created multiple chances throughout the match.
Despite Crystal Palace's promising start, they were unable to maintain their lead or withstand the pressure exerted by a resurgent City side. Oliver Glasner's team, who were aiming to extend their unbeaten run to eight games, found themselves overwhelmed as City turned the tide.
Guardiola praised De Bruyne's influence on the game, stating, "No one can do what Kevin has done. The gratitude we and I have for him is huge. He played fantastic." The manager acknowledged the team's defensive frailties that allowed Palace to take an early lead but commended their resilience in bouncing back.
De Bruyne's performance was indeed a highlight, demonstrating why he is considered one of the best midfielders in the Premier League. He was involved in every key moment of the match, and as he left the field to a standing ovation, it was clear how much he meant to the City fans.
City’s victory not only propelled them into the top four of the Premier League but also breathed new life into their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League next season. With only three home games remaining, the urgency to secure points is palpable.
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace, despite their initial success, will need to regroup after this defeat. Their defensive lapses were costly, and Glasner will have to address these issues as they look to maintain their position in the league.
The match was a reminder of the unpredictability of football, showcasing both the brilliance of City and the potential for upset that teams like Palace can provide. As the season approaches its climax, every point will be crucial for both teams as they strive for their respective goals.
