De Bruyne Steps Up to Propel Man City Beyond Wolves and Near Champions League Qualification

Manchester City clinched their fourth consecutive victory in the Premier League, solidifying their chances for UEFA Champions League (UCL) qualification next season with a narrow 1-0 win over Wolves at the Etihad Stadium.

In the opening moments, both sides attempted long-distance shots, with Rúben Dias and Matheus Cunha each missing the target within the first three minutes.

Wolves had several promising opportunities to go ahead. Jean-Ricner Bellegarde managed to evade City’s offside trap but failed to connect with Marshall Munetsi, who was agonisingly close to receiving the square pass.

Left wing-back Rayan Ait-Nouri advanced into the penalty area, striking the post with his left foot, and his follow-up effort was heroically cleared off the line by Joško Gvardiol.

As the first half drew to a close, City started to assert themselves, with Nico O’Reilly’s powerful close-range shot being tipped over the bar by Jose Sa just moments before they broke the deadlock.

Jeremy Doku cut the ball back to Kevin De Bruyne, who expertly placed it into the bottom corner, and no player was more celebrated at the Etihad than he, especially with his impending departure at the season’s end.

Wolves remained undeterred by going a goal down and struck the post again early in the second half, this time through Cunha from a tight angle.

City regained control as Omar Marmoush and Mateo Kovacic sent efforts wide of the mark, failing to secure a second goal that would have put the game beyond doubt.

Nevertheless, they succeeded in claiming the win, extending their home head-to-head run against Wolves to five matches, while the visitors’ six-game winning streak was halted.

Catch the full match recap here.