Kevin De Bruyne: Man City Remain Perfect After His Return With Copenhagen Win As Treble Bid Heats Up

• Manchester City defeated Copenhagen in the first leg of their Champions League tie on Tuesday
• The treble winners remained perfect following Kevin De Bruyne's return to the lineup this year
• The Citizens' Belgian star faced a lengthy spell on the sidelines because of a hamstring injury

There is just no stopping Manchester City right now.

They remained on course for another treble following their 3-1 win over Copenhagen in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Kevin De Bruyne's return from a hamstring injury has given a timely boost to City, who have started the year with seven consecutive victories.

Sports Brief looks at how De Bruyne has transformed City's fortunes since his comeback.

Man City beat Huddersfield in FA Cup

Kevin de Bruyne produces another outrageous assist vs Burnley; Video

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City started the year with a bang, beating Huddersfield 5-0 in the third round of the FA Cup.

Pep Guardiola got the perfect gift to start 2024, with De Bruyne finally making his return to the lineup after a lengthy absence due to a hamstring injury, per the BBC.

The Belgian star came off the bench in that FA Cup tie and he immediately reminded everyone of his brilliance during his short stint in the second half.

He helped City complete the rout, delivering an assist to Jeremy Doku in the 74th minute for City's fifth goal of the afternoon, per The Guardian.

Man City beat Newcastle in Premier League

City followed up that win against Huddersfield with a thrilling 3-2 come-from-behind victory over Newcastle United.

De Bruyne showed up when his team needed him the most, delivering a perfect pass to fellow substitute, Oscar Bobb, who went on to score the match-winner in second-half injury time.

Birthday boy Alvarez stars as Man City beat Burnley

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Man City beat Tottenham in FA Cup

De Bruyne and City finally recorded a win over Tottenham, beating them 1-0 in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

He came close to giving City the lead in the closing stages but his shot just went past the post.

His corner kick shortly thereafter helped produce the match-winner, with Nathan Ake scrambling home the game's lone goal in the 88th minute.

Man City beat Burnley in Premier League

City extended their winning streak with a 3-1 victory over Burnley in the Premier League.

De Bruyne pulled ahead of Wayne Rooney on the all-time list in Premier League assists, delivering a sweet pass along the grass to Julian Alvarez, who scored City's second goal.

Man City beat Brentford in Premier League

De Bruyne and City continued their winning ways in the match against Brentford, recording a 3-1 victory in their Premier League encounter.

Haaland returns in Man City cruise, Tottenham into top four

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Phil Foden starred in that contest, scoring a hat-trick. De Bruyne helped him accomplish that feat, with his cross resulting in Foden's third goal after a poor headed clearance by Ethan Pinnock.

Man City beat Everton in Premier League

Manchester City returned to the top of the Premier League table with a 2-0 victory over Everton.

Guardiola's decision to bring De Bruyne in around the hour mark worked wonders for the reigning champions as they finally broke the Toffees' resistance late in the second half.

De Bruyne issued his 106th Premier League assist in the 85th minute, finding Erling Haaland, who scored his second goal of the match.

Man City beat Copenhagen in Champions League

City remained on track to defend their Champions League title, beating Copenhagen in the first leg of their Round of 16 tie.

De Bruyne gave City a dream start, opening the scoring in the 10th minute, with his finish rolling inside Kamil Grabara’s right post.

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He then helped City regain the advantage after Magnus Mattsson equalised for the hosts, delivering an assist to Bernardo Silva just before the break.

De Bruyne again turned creator just before the end of the match, issuing an assist to Phil Foden, who scored from close range.

Most valuable teams in Champions League

Sports Brief recently reported on City topping the most valuable teams remaining in the Champions League.

The defending champions come in first place and their most valuable players are Haaland, Foden, and Rodri.