Kevin De Bruyne creates unwanted record of most possession lost in single Champions League match against Real Madrid

The midfielder side fell to 3-4 on penalties to Real Madrid

Last night against Real Madrid, Kevin De Bruyne gave up the ball 37 times, which is a record for a Champions League game this year.

Pep Guardiola came up with an intriguing approach to characterise Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland when discussing their absences earlier in the season. Although they didn’t always improve Manchester City’s performance, Guardiola argued that they “helped us to win games”.

Indeed, it seems that his abilities are diminishing on this particular evening. A right-footed volley that was cut out of play, under- and overhit crosses, and a general battle to maximise the possession he saw were all present. He seemed to be looking for that glimmer of brilliance that the 33-year-old still had in his game.

In open play, City frequently attempted to bring Bernardo Silva or De Bruyne into those half spaces via the inside right or left channels in order for both players to set up lofted crosses for Haaland to attack. It was an idea whose limited success was mostly due to poor execution.

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Haaland really had less of a bearing on the match as City increased their pressure in the second half. The decision to substitute Julian Alvarez for him after the ninety-minute mark was a daring but brave one.

Despite his impressive performance against Luton on Saturday and his recent return to form, it never seemed likely that Doku would start this game. Real Madrid and The Hatters are two completely distinct leagues.

However, Doku entered the game to sprint at Carvajal and test those worn-out legs after Jack Grealish had twisted and turned him for seventy minutes. He had an instant impact on the match.

His involvement in the goal was fortunate because Rudiger should have had an easier time clearing his cross, but he scored with the straightforward flair to which we have grown accustomed. He shoved and moved away from Valverde, sending the ball into harm’s way. City came to life because of it.

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