Real Madrid Advances to Champions League Knockout Stage with Thrilling Victory

Real Madrid has confidently secured their spot in the Champions League last 16. After a remarkable performance in the first encounter, the team dazzled at the Bernabéu, overwhelming Manchester City. In just over thirty minutes, Ancelotti’s squad effectively wrapped up the match with a spectacular double from Mbappé. The talented Frenchman wasn’t finished yet; he scored a second hat-trick as a Madridista later in the game. The reigning European champions now await Friday’s draw to see if they’ll face Atlético or Bayer Leverkusen next.

The match couldn’t have started better for Real Madrid, who scored just four minutes in. Asensio launched a brilliant pass that split the defense, and Mbappé flawlessly lobbed the ball over Ederson from the edge of the box, putting Real ahead 1-0. This marked the fourth consecutive game in which Mbappé scored. Although already two goals up in the overall tie after winning the first leg 2-3, Madrid dominated the game and nearly extended their lead just 15 minutes in. Rodrygo’s corner found Bellingham, whose near-post header narrowly missed the target.

Opportunities continued to arise for the home team, which faced little threat defensively. In the 29th minute, a classy pass from Tchouameni set up another Mbappé attack, but this time his shot went straight to Ederson. This was merely a prelude to his brilliant form, and four minutes later he doubled the score. Rodrygo’s clever pass through a defender’s legs found Mbappé, who showed off his finesse by feinting past Gvardiol and deceiving the keeper with a quick shot to the near post. This elevated Madrid’s lead to three goals. The only setback of the first half was Bellingham receiving a yellow card in the 39th minute, ruling him out of the last 16’s opening leg at the Bernabéu.

Mbappé’s Hat-trick The game was dominated by Madrid, who controlled possession and frequently threatened City’s defense. Shortly after the break, Rodrygo attempted a shot from inside the box following a fluid team effort, but it went over the bar in the 50th minute. A more promising opportunity arose six minutes later. Valverde, consistently dangerous on the right wing, delivered a sizzling cross to Mbappé, whose shot was superbly blocked by Ederson. Yet, Mbappé was relentless, and in the 61st minute, he completed his hat-trick. With a step-over and precise left-footed drive from the edge of the area, he left the visiting keeper helpless.

Applause at the Bernabéu Real Madrid continued to create chances up until the final whistle. The 74th minute presented an opportunity to further their lead when Bellingham retrieved the ball in the opponent’s half and passed to Vini Jr., whose shot was saved brilliantly by Ederson. Moments later, City recorded their first attempt on goal, but Courtois was ready for Foden’s powerful long-range strike. In the 78th minute, the Bernabéu crowd erupted in applause, giving a standing ovation to the match’s hero, Mbappé, as well as Ceballos for their tremendous contributions. The applause extended to Valverde, Vini Jr., and Tchouameni as they were substituted. Nico González managed to pull one back during injury time, but it was a spectacular display from the European champions, who now look forward to facing either Atlético or Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League’s last 16.