Some Manchester City supporters were waxing lyrical about Belgium playmaker Kevin De Bruyne following his "comeback" display in the opening 45 minutes against RB Leipzig.
Having struggled to replicate his immense best in recent weeks, De Bruyne has even found himself omitted from the starting XI in certain games. However, with a place in the Champions League quarter-finals at stake, he was recalled on Tuesday night at the Etihad Stadium.
De Bruyne came in for England starlet Phil Foden as Pep Guardiola opted to make one change to his line-up. And when the half-time whistle sounded, that decision had been completely justified.
READ MORE: Live updates from City vs Leipzig
A stunning hat-trick from Erling Haaland put City in full control and it was business as usual for him. But that jaw-dropping start to the game was not solely down to Haaland as De Bruyne - like a man on a mission - was front and centre in everything good about the Premier League champions.
It was from his initial strike which cannoned back off the crossbar that Haaland turned home his second after opening the scoring with a penalty. De Bruyne had a hand in the third goal, too, as he sent in a curling corner which eventually fell to Haaland after Ruben Dias had headed against the Leipzig frame.
Haaland went on to score his fourth and fifth as Ilkay Gundogan also scored after the break.
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