Going out on a high
Midfield ace De Bruyne bids farewell to the Etihad, as City clinches vital win in race for Champions League spot
It was the type of goal that De Bruyne would have been proud of, in a career that has seen him score numerous spectacular strikes of his own.
De Bruyne missed a glorious chance to cap his farewell with a goal, missing an open net from close range and shooting against the bar.
"Terrible, terrible," De Bruyne said of his miss. "There's no excuses. My son is going to be very tough on me today."
Bernardo Silva doubled City's lead in the 38th, and substitute Nico Gonzalez added a third in the 89th. Daniel Jebbison pulled one back for Bournemouth in added time, in a game that saw both teams reduced to 10 men.
The win saw City bounce back from its FA Cup final loss to Crystal Palace on Saturday. It also means that City only needs a point in its final game against Fulham on Sunday to all but guarantee Champions League soccer next season, given its superior goal difference to top-five rivals Chelsea and Aston Villa.
After ending the season trophyless for the first time in eight years, City can, at least, secure the consolation of a place in European club soccer's top competition. The loss, however, ended Bournemouth's slim hopes of qualifying for Europe.
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