Kevin de Bruyne hails Manchester City's win over Sevilla despite poor display
Match-winner Kevin de Bruyne claimed victory was all that mattered after his last-gasp goal secured another three points for Manchester City in the Champions League.
Match-winner Kevin de Bruyne claimed victory was all that mattered after his last-gasp goal secured another three points for Manchester City in the Champions League.
De Bruyne struck in injury time as City snatched a 2-1 victory over Sevilla despite an unconvincing display in their latest Group D outing at the Etihad Stadium.
The result lifted City to second in the table, just a point behind leaders Juventus, halfway through the group campaign. City's performances in Europe continue to underwhelm but making progress is all that matters to the side at this stage.
De Bruyne said: "It feels good. The most important thing was to win and that is what we did even if we didn't play our best game. In the end nobody says something if you go through in the group."
De Bruyne's late winner maintained his superb form, being his fifth goal in nine appearances since his £54million move to City from Wolfsburg in August.
Asked if he could have wished for such a fine start, the 24-year-old said: "Probably not. It feels good. Obviously I know I didn't play my best game game here but I am very happy to give the team the three points and it was very important for us."
The Belgian will now hope the momentum continues as the Barlcays Premier League leaders travel to Old Trafford for Sunday's derby against Manchester United.
He said: "I am very excited. These are the moments you live for as a player. There will be a lot of atmosphere. Great games and derbies are the most important games for the fans. Hopefully we can do good on Sunday."
De Bruyne's late heroics kept City on course for the last 16, although for much of the night it seemed they were second best.
Sevilla dominated possession and were both slick and incisive. They opened up City on the right to take a deserved lead on the half-hour through the outstanding Yevhen Konoplyanka, who had earlier hit the woodwork.
City equalised six minutes later when Wilfried Bony's shot took a big deflection off Adil Rami to beat Sergio Rico but the hosts still struggled to gain control.
Sevilla created numerous chances but proved wasteful in front of goal and City, who had been limited to counter-attacks, finished strongly.
Yaya Toure tested Rico in the last minute before releasing De Bruyne on the run that led to him burying a low shot in the bottom corner.
Defender Pablo Zabaleta said: "This was a massive step forward in terms of thinking about the next round and now we have a huge game on Sunday.
"Winning in that way at the end was a massive lift for the team and the fans. It was a fantastic finish from Kevin de Bruyne and a big three points.
"He is doing really well. His performance week-in, week-out is brilliant. He is a player who has really improved the team, a fantastic signing."
