Mbappe Hat-Trick Sends Real Madrid Past Man City in Champions League Thriller

Kylian Mbappe delivered a stunning hat-trick for Real Madrid, leading the Champions League holders to a commanding 3-1 victory over Manchester City on Wednesday. The win secured a 6-3 aggregate triumph for Los Blancos, propelling them into the last 16 of the competition. Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, meanwhile, suffered a disappointing early exit, failing to challenge the dominant 15-time champions until Nico Gonzalez’s consolation goal in stoppage time.

Mbappe, the French superstar, opened the scoring in the fourth minute with a clever lob over City goalkeeper Ederson after being set up by a long pass from young defender Raul Asencio. The striker added a second goal in the 33rd minute, showcasing his lethal finishing after a slick combination with teammates Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr., and Rodrygo. Mbappe completed his hat-trick in the second half with a precise low strike from the edge of the box, taking his tally to seven goals in this season’s Champions League.

City, who won the competition in 2023, were far from their best, struggling to impose themselves against a relentless Madrid side. Guardiola’s plans were further hampered by the absence of star striker Erling Haaland, who started on the bench after picking up a knock in City’s weekend match against Newcastle. In contrast, Real Madrid welcomed back defender Antonio Rudiger from injury, while Aurelien Tchouameni returned to his preferred midfield role, bolstering the team’s structure.

Madrid’s dominance was evident from the start, with Mbappe’s early goal setting the tone. City’s woes deepened when John Stones limped off with an injury, further disrupting their defensive setup. Fede Valverde came close to adding a second for Madrid, but his shot was deflected wide, while Ederson made a crucial save to deny Mbappe after another incisive pass from Tchouameni.

Mbappe’s second goal was a testament to Madrid’s attacking prowess, as Bellingham, Vinicius, and Rodrygo combined seamlessly to set up the Frenchman, who expertly evaded Josko Gvardiol before slotting home. Guardiola had previously downplayed City’s chances of overcoming Madrid, and his team’s lackluster performance reflected that sentiment.

The only blemish for Madrid was a yellow card for Bellingham, ruling him out of the first leg of the last 16. However, the night belonged to Mbappe, who capped off his stellar performance with a third goal in the 62nd minute, firing past Ederson from the edge of the box. The striker received a standing ovation as he was substituted, with Madrid continuing to create chances in his absence.

City managed a late consolation goal in stoppage time when Omar Marmoush’s free-kick hit the crossbar, and Gonzalez tapped in the rebound. However, it was little more than a footnote in a match dominated by Madrid. The defeat leaves City struggling for form, with 13 losses in their last 26 games across all competitions. They now face a crucial Premier League clash against leaders Liverpool on Sunday, with their top-four hopes hanging in the balance.

For Madrid, the victory reinforces their status as one of the favorites to win the Champions League this season. With Mbappe in scintillating form and the team still competing on multiple fronts, Carlo Ancelotti’s side will be confident of challenging for more silverware. Their next challenge in the last 16 will be against either city rivals Atletico Madrid or German champions Bayer Leverkusen.