Mbappé's Hat Trick Leads Real Madrid to Victory Over Manchester City

MADRID, Spain – Kylian Mbappé’s stunning hat trick propelled Real Madrid to a 6-3 aggregate triumph over Manchester City at the Santiago Bernabéu, securing the defending European champions’ spot in the UEFA Champions League round of 16.

Real Madrid, chasing their sixteenth Champions League title, entered the second leg with a slight edge, having defeated the Premier League champions 3-2 at the Etihad Stadium last week. With City’s star forward Erling Haaland limited to a bench role, Carlo Ancelotti’s squad easily handled the 2023 Champions League winners.

For Manchester City, the season’s woes persist, and the FA Cup remains their lone realistic shot at a trophy as they prepare for Sunday’s Premier League showdown against leaders Liverpool.

Mbappé has already made his mark in several high-profile matches for Real Madrid, including two Clásicos and Madrid derbies, as well as clashes with Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan, and Liverpool. However, this was his first major test. At Real Madrid, where the bar is set extraordinarily high, this means a Champions League knockout match against a top-tier club, particularly with a lively second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Tonight, Mbappé delivered spectacularly. His move to Madrid was fueled by ambitions of such performances. He experienced the magic of European nights at this stadium previously, as when his goal put Paris Saint-Germain ahead here in March 2022 before Karim Benzema’s hat trick turned the tables in favor of Madrid. Now, he’s part of the happier narrative.

Mbappé’s first-half display against City was sheer efficiency. He managed to take five shots from 14 touches, scoring twice with an expected goals (xG) metric of 0.73. The first goal was a masterful, first-time loft over Ederson following a long pass from Raúl Asencio.

The second goal followed a seamless teamwork involving Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior, and Rodrygo, culminating in Mbappé’s agile footwork. His deserved hat trick was completed in the second half as he cut inside to drive a left-footed shot into the corner. Any early doubts about his fit at Madrid now seem distant.

His knockout stage goal record is phenomenal: 24 goals since 2017, including this hat trick. No other player has matched this tally. This underscores why Madrid was determined to bring Mbappé into their ranks, and there are surely more electrifying nights ahead.

Signs of decline have been evident in what is shaping up to be the worst season of Pep Guardiola’s nine-year tenure at Manchester City. Yet, their comprehensive defeat by Real Madrid leaves no doubt that this City squad is past its peak.

City’s lackluster resistance allowed Real to sail to victory effortlessly. Guardiola’s usually vibrant team appeared uncharacteristically passive. Assessing the matchday squad illuminates why this once-dominant group seems at its journey’s end.

Kevin De Bruyne, a long-time City talisman, is now 33 and plagued by injuries, enough so that he wasn’t fit to start this crucial match. John Stones, at 30, has endured a season marked by injuries, and his brief eight-minute stint before departing injured again reflects his ongoing struggles.

In midfield, Ilkay Gündogan, now 34, probably rued his decision to return from Barcelona on a free transfer given how outmatched he was by Real’s opponents. Meanwhile, 30-year-old Bernardo Silva was a non-factor against Real’s energetic and confident side, emphasizing City’s deficiencies.

The Champions League consistently measures the world’s best teams, and City has fallen short this season. They barely reached the playoff round, finishing 22nd overall, and Real Madrid exposed their vulnerabilities with a decisive reality check.

Carlo Ancelotti once wittily ranked Federico Valverde as the world’s third-best right-back, behind Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vázquez. But perhaps Ancelotti underestimated Valverde’s prowess. Initially a central midfielder, Valverde could prove to be an exceptional long-term full-back for Real.

Valverde’s performance against City was flawless, highlighted by a second-half tackle that dispossessed Marmoush and earned one of the night’s loudest cheers. Valverde even executed a textbook-perfect block to thwart a cross attempt.

Abdukodir Khusanov’s challenging start at Manchester City continued against Real. Since arriving from Lens in January, Khusanov has struggled in the Premier League, with this performance further denting his confidence.

Madrid’s earlier league phase was lackluster and unexpected for a team of their caliber, typically advancing from the old group stage with ease. Losses to Lille, AC Milan, and Liverpool narrowly evolved into a playoff berth. Madrid seemed flawed, grappling with injuries and balancing superstars Mbappé, Vinícius, Bellingham, and Rodrygo with a solid defense.

Just months later, the outlook has improved. Admittedly, Manchester City’s current form is underwhelming, advising against sweeping conclusions. Still, doubts about this Madrid squad have eased following these two fixtures. As they proceed to the last 16, Madrid stands poised among the favorites for the champion’s title.