Manchester City concluded their 2024–25 Premier League campaign on a high note, clinching a 2-0 win against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday, 25 May 2025. This victory ensured City’s qualification for the UEFA Champions League for the 15th consecutive season, finishing third in the league with 71 points.
Gündogan’s Spectacular Opener
City took the lead in the 21st minute when Ilkay Gündogan executed a stunning overhead kick. The goal came after Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno parried a chipped shot from Matheus Nunes, with Gündogan acrobatically converting the rebound off the crossbar.
Reflecting on his goal, Gündogan said, “It was just intuition, arriving in the box at the second post, trying to be there where you might think the ball could drop.”
Haaland Doubles the Lead
In the 72nd minute, Erling Haaland secured the win by converting a penalty after Gündogan was fouled in the box by Sasa Lukic. Haaland’s goal marked his 22nd league goal of the season, solidifying his position as the Premier League’s top scorer from penalties since his debut season in 2022-23.
De Bruyne’s Farewell Appearance
The match also marked the final league appearance for Kevin De Bruyne, who came on as a late substitute. After a decade with the club, De Bruyne received a heartfelt ovation from both City and Fulham fans, acknowledging his significant contributions to the team.
Season Overview and Future Outlook
Despite a challenging season that saw City finish outside the top two for the first time since 2016-17, manager Pep Guardiola praised his team’s resilience. “My City players never gave up,” he remarked, highlighting the squad’s determination to secure Champions League qualification.
Looking ahead, Guardiola expressed hope for improvement in the upcoming season, emphasizing the need for strategic decisions to bolster the team’s performance.
As City prepares for the next chapter, the club aims to build on this victory and address areas for growth, ensuring continued success in domestic and European competitions.
