Kylian Mbappé expressed his delight after his stunning hat-trick helped Real Madrid secure a 3-1 victory over Manchester City, ensuring the defending champions advanced to the UEFA Champions League last 16.
Mbappé’s brilliance was on full display as he dismantled City in the second leg of their play-off tie, marking the first time since 2012 that Pep Guardiola’s side failed to progress beyond this stage. Though Nico González managed a late consolation goal after Omar Marmoush’s free-kick struck the bar, the night was all about the French superstar.
Match Overview
From the outset, Real Madrid exhibited dominance. An early setback for Manchester City saw John Stones exit due to injury within the first eight minutes, compounding their defensive vulnerabilities. Capitalizing on this, Mbappé opened the scoring with a deft lob over goalkeeper Ederson, following a precise long ball from Raúl Asencio. This goal set the tone for the evening, with Mbappé adding two more to complete his hat-trick. Manchester City’s sole response came in stoppage time through Nico González, but it was insufficient to challenge Real Madrid’s supremacy.
Mbappé’s Milestone
At just 26, Mbappé’s performance against Manchester City marked a significant milestone: his 500th career goal contribution, comprising 358 goals and 142 assists for both club and country. This achievement underscores his consistent excellence and his evolution into one of football’s most formidable talents.
Guardiola’s Unprecedented Exit
The defeat marked a historic low for Manchester City under Pep Guardiola. For the first time in his managerial career, Guardiola’s team failed to advance past the Champions League round of 16. This loss also represented Manchester City’s 13th defeat of the season, the highest in Guardiola’s tenure, prompting questions about the team’s direction and resilience in high-stakes matches.
PSG delivered a ruthless 7-0 thrashing of Brest, securing a 10-0 aggregate victory to book their place in the last 16. Meanwhile, PSV Eindhoven stunned Juventus with a dramatic 3-1 extra-time win, completing a 4-3 aggregate comeback. Borussia Dortmund also progressed, holding Sporting Lisbon to a goalless draw to seal a 3-0 aggregate triumph.
Real Madrid’s victory not only reinforces their status as a European powerhouse but also sets the stage for a potential clash with either Bayer Leverkusen or Atlético Madrid in the next round. As the tournament progresses, Mbappé’s form will be crucial in determining Real Madrid’s fortunes. For Manchester City, the focus shifts to domestic competitions, with the FA Cup remaining their most viable opportunity for silverware this season.
As the Champions League knockout stage unfolds, all eyes will be on Mbappé—Real Madrid’s new talisman—who is determined to write his own chapter in the club’s storied history.
