Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says Kevin De Bruyne is in the best moment of his season.

The Belgian midfielder put in a terrific display for City against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League quarter-final first leg.

De Bruyne popped up with the only goal of the game to give City a 1-0 advantage going into the second leg in Spain.

"He's in the best moment of the season right now - he is sharp, he's quick, positive and his influence now again is massive and he made an exceptional goal with his combination with Phil," said Guardiola post-game.

"It was a difficult game, against tough opponents - they played two banks of 5 for the first 25-30 minutes it was so difficult to find spaces - but we were patient enough except for the first 10.

"The first 5 to 10 minutes of the second half we attacked not at the right rhythm and we didn't play the way we play.

"But yeah, it was a good result today. We had one or two more chances to score a second with Kevin, but good result and we won the game.

"In games like this we need a striker and they defend so well, so deep and compact and it is difficult to find spaces.

"We were patient because we have to win this type of game and not get anxious and nervous.

"They have incredible talent up front. If you are not attacking in the right way they can punish you."