CBS panel in disbelief after finding out who won Player of the Match award for Madrid vs City game

The CBS Sports punditry team were in a collective state of shock when it was announced that Kevin De Bruyne had won the official Champions League Player of the Match award for his efforts against Real Madrid.

De Bruyne, who has been so consistent for Pep Guardiola's this season as they attempt to secure a famous treble, equalised for the away side with a cracking strike from range.

The 31-year-old Belgium international was at his brilliant best for large spells at the Bernabeu, effortlessly linking play against some of the world's best.

But the punditry team of Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards were surprised when he was awarded the Player of the Match gong after the full-time whistle.

READ MORE:

• Kevin De Bruyne goal against Real Madrid should not have counted as new image explains Carlo Ancelotti rage

When asked who they would have handed the award to, Carragher and Richards agreed that Los Blancos goalscorer Vinicius Jr should be given the prize after his outstanding display.

Moments later, Carragher added: “Or Camavinga. It was a toss up.”

Former Arsenal forward Thierry Henry, another regular on the CBS team, also praised Camavinga in his post-match analysis.

“Vinicius Jr played in his position and we all know what he can do - and he did it," Henry said. “But Camavinga… Camavinga never played left-back in his life. He’s doing it now for two months.

"He’s coming in midfield, one-two, defending, he looks strong. But the big man will obviously grab the headline and I think he played better, so I will give it to Vinicius Jr. But Camavinga had an outstanding game.”

👤 Most touches (78)
💪 Most duels won (9)
⚽️ Most possession won (7)
💥 Most tackles (5)
✅ Most fouls won (4)
🔑 Most chances created (3)
🎯 Most assists (1)

A reminder that Eduardo Camavinga is only 20 years-old 🌟🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/gp4mKLjATo

— SPORTbible (@sportbible) May 9, 2023

Then, to the surprise of all three pundits, CBS presenter Kate Abdo revealed that City midfielder De Bruyne had officially scooped the award.

Carragher questioned the decision with a very high-pitched "what?" before Henry made his feelings known.

"Well, obviously this is why there is a difference between ex-players and I don’t know who voted. It is true. It’s a different game. I love Kevin. Amazing goal...you’re telling me that’s not Vinicius that won that? Come on.”

Who deserved MOTM after the first leg of the #UCL semifinal between Real Madrid and Man City? 👀 pic.twitter.com/0vPkfQ04Ea

— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) May 9, 2023

Thoughts on the decision? Who do you think should have been awarded Player of the Match on Tuesday night?

Let us know in the comments.