Pep Guardiola’s men produced a superb display to clinch a 3-1 victory, having come from behind, with the Belgian netting a wonderful free-kick to turn the game on its head.
Speaking to reporters after the game, De Bruyne said the Blues had made a statement, which he hopes will spark a strong European run.
“It was a big game for us,” he said. “We know we were under pressure.
“The beginning was difficult - we made a few mistakes. The second half was very good.
“We deserved it. Barca didn’t create many chances and in the end, we deserved the victory.
“Everybody knows the style we play. Everything fell in the right place.
“Even in Barcelona, we tried to do the same. It’s difficult to do it against them. We’d tried at the Nou Camp with less luck.
“It’s an enormous boost to go further in the Champions League now.”
De Bruyne’s superbly-struck free-kick was the first direct set-piece Barcelona had conceded in the competition since 2009.
On his goal, De Bruyne explained: “It wasn’t planned [shooting to the wrong side].
“I just saw Ter Stegen was too central, and went that way. I was looking - it doesn’t matter to be fair.
“He was too much in the middle and he took one step so it was too difficult to get back I reckon.”
