Manchester City defeated Real Madrid 4-3 in a pulsating Champions League semi-final first leg on Tuesday evening, with a usual suspect at the heart of everything Pep Guardiola's side did.
Kevin De Bruyne has developed a reputation for stepping up in big games this season, and that was no different at the Etihad Stadium against the 13-time competition winners.
The Belgian headed City into the lead after just 93 seconds - the quickest semi-final goal in Champions League history - before assisting Gabriel Jesus 10 minutes later. De Bruyne was on a one-man mission to make the Madrid defenders' lives a living misery, as he turned them inside out with incisive passes, surging runs and genius movement.
READ MORE: Pep Guardiola sends 'heads up' message to Man City players after Real Madrid thriller
Given how much better City were than their opponents, it's frustrating that they only have a one-goal advantage to show for their efforts. But City fans shouldn't let that distract from De Bruyne's performance from the ages.
If these reactions from Twitter are anything to go by, we'll be talking about his performance for years to come.
@Grealish_Szn1: He’s one of the best midfielders of all time. He’s so good. Already powering through the Madrid midfield easily. Steps up in big games and if he wasn’t injured at the start of the season he would have 35+ g/a.
@JesusRole: Kevin de Bruyne showed Modric who the best midfielder in the world is.
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