Kevin De Bruyne: The Worrying Reason Belgian Superstar Did Not Feature Against Real Madrid

• Kevin de Bruyne was absent from the starting XI to face Real Madrid on Tuesday
• Manchester City played out an entertaining 3-3 draw at the Santiago Bernabeu
• Pep Guardiola has now explained why he dropped the Belgian for the clash

Manchester City boss has come out to explain his controversial decision to drop Kevin de Bruyne for the crunch Champions League quarter-final clash against Real Madrid.

De Bruyne was in inspired form in City’s last game, scoring two goals and providing an assist in the 4-2 win over Crystal Palace.

For this reason, it came as a shock to many fans when the Belgian was absent from the starting lineup at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday, April 9. Sections of fans accused Guardiola of ‘overthinking’ the game by tinkering with an otherwise flawless squad.

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GUaardiola speaks on De Bruyne’s absence

When asked why he decided to drop his most creative player, Guardiola disclosed De Bruyne was feeling unwell in the build up to the game. The 32-year-old ultimately had to get dropped from the starting lineup.

“Vomit. He feels unwell,” Guardiola said, per TNT Sports.

“We made a meeting, he was ready and when we arrived in the locker room he started to vomit and feel unwell and he said: I'm not ready. Of course, it’s not good news, but it is what it is – another player is going to play and they are ready to play 90 minutes and everyone is going to help.”

Despite still being named on the bench, De Bruyne did not take part in his side’s pre-match warmup.

The Belgian’s absence was not calamitous by any stretch, as Guardiola still fielded a potent midfield and attack comprising Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish and Erling Haaland as the lone striker up front.

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City play out entertaining draw

The game proved to be a classic as Real Madrid and Manchester City tested each other out with brilliant attacking play.

According to BBC, Silva gave City the lead with a clever free kick from 25 yards, but Real Madrid drew level through a deflected strike that went down as a Luis Diaz own goal.

Rodrygo turned the game around by poking the ball home via Manuel Akanji’s heel, but the game was levelled after 66 minutes by Phil Foden

Josko Gvardiol scored his first goal in City colours.to give his side a 3-2 lead five minutes later, but the home side were back in it again thanks to Federico Valverde’s superb volley.

De Bruyne asks Modric for shirt

Sports Brief also reported on the classy moment De Bruyne asked for Luka Modric’s shirt.

Following the final whistle, De Bruyne approached Real Madrid's departing midfielder Modric.

During their friendly exchange, the Belgian star was overheard requesting Modric's shirt.