After Real Madrid and Manchester City’s thrilling Champions League quarterfinal match, Kevin De Bruyne was heard asking to see Luka Modric’s shirt.

At the renovated Bernabeu, the much-anticipated entertaining match exceeded expectations with surprising drama.

Bernardo Silva took advantage of a mistake made by goalkeeper Andriy Lunin to put the visitors ahead in just two minutes with a freekick.

With 14 minutes remaining, Los Blancos took the lead 2-1 thanks to a quick own goal from Ruben Dias and a strong effort from Brazilian attacker Rodrygo.

As Phil Foden and Josko Gvardiol restored City’s lead with two incredible long-range goals in the second half, the tension at the Santiago Bernabeu increased.

Federico Valverde’s possible season-long Champions League goal with ten minutes remaining in normal time gave the home team optimism going into the second leg.

After the final siren, De Bruyne went up to Real Madrid’s departing midfield player, Luka Modric.

According to Sportbible, the Belgian player was heard asking for Modric’s shirt during their amicable conversation.

Why De Bruyne did not play for Madrid

De Bruyne’s absence from the Manchester City starting lineup for the first leg of the quarterfinal, however, was unexpected.

He did not participate in the warm-up prior to the game and remained absent the entire time.

For what reason did Pep Guardiola bench the highly effective midfield player before kickoff?