Kevin de Bruyne makes Champions League history with goal vs Real Madrid

Kevin de Bruyne makes Champions League history with goal vs Real Madrid

Rene Otinga
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:01 PM
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  • De Bruyne’s opener for Man City against Real Madrid earned him a place in the record books
  • The Belgian has now scored the fastest goal in the semi-final of the Champions League
  • It took just 94 seconds for De Bruyne to find the opener, which as a diving header from Riyad Mahrez’s cross

Kevin de Bruyne broke a unique record in the Champions League thanks to his opening goal against Real Madrid on Tuesday, April 26.

The Belgian has typically been instrumental for Pep Guardiola’s side once again this season, scoring important goals for his side when they need it.

He was at it again in the Champions League semis as he gave Manchester City a much-needed lead against an unpredictable Real Madrid side.

De Bruyne, Man City
Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City celebrates scoring their 1st goal with Phil Foden of Manchester City during the UEFA Champions League. Photo by Marc Atkins.
Source: Getty Images

In an astonishing tie, De Bruyne found the opener within 94 seconds of kickoff with a diving header from Riyad Mahrez’s cross.

His goal also landed him on the record books as it was the quickest goal netted in a Champions League semi-final.

What is the fastest goal in Champions League history?

At the moment, the fastest goal in the Champions League across all stages is the one netted by Roy Makaay, who took just 10.12 seconds.

Makaay achieved the feat in the 2006-07 round-of-16 tie for Bayern Munich when they were playing against Real Madrid.

City edge Real - How the game went

City doubled their lead minutes later, with the in-form Gabriel Jesus collecting a pass from De Bruyne before turning past David Alaba to slot home.

Real Madrid’s talisman Karim Benzema then gave his side a lifeline after 33 minutes, sweeping in Ferland Mendy’s cross to half the deficit.

In truth, City will be ruing missed opportunities as they had several chances to completely take the game away from their opponents.

Despite Phil Foden making it 3-1, Vinicus Junior produced a moment of magic with a solo run to slot past the City goalkeeper.

Bernardo Silva made it 4-2 in a brilliant capitalization of an advantage situation, but Karim Benzema, with ice in his veins, scored a Panenka penalty to ensure City’s lead remained a single goal.

What Guardiola said

Despite victory in the first leg, Pep Guardiola was quick to give credit to Real Madrid for consistently remaining alive in the tie.

“It was a fantastic game for both sides. We did many good things. Unfortunately, we conceded goals and we could not score more. But it is two games and we have another one in one week,” he said.

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Rene Otinga photo
Rene Otinga
Rene Otinga is a sports journalist with over eight years of working experience in digital media. Rene's experience includes working as a Copywriter at X News Kenya and TUKO.co.ke.
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