Kylian Mbappe delivered a stunning hat-trick as Real Madrid cruised past Manchester City 3-1 on Wednesday, securing a 6-3 aggregate victory and a spot in the Champions League last 16.
Playing at the Santiago Bernabeu, the 2024 champions dominated the second-leg clash, setting up a potential showdown with either Bayer Leverkusen or city rivals Atletico Madrid, pending Friday’s draw. The triumph ended Pep Guardiola’s remarkable record of always reaching the knockout stage as a Champions League coach.
“It was a perfect night,” Mbappe said. “Real Madrid belong in the last 16. We are very strong at home, and it’s great to bring joy to our fans.”
The first leg at the Etihad Stadium was a thrilling contest, but the return fixture saw Madrid in complete control. City, already trailing 3-2, suffered a further blow as star striker Erling Haaland was ruled out due to injury.
Madrid capitalized early, with Mbappe opening the scoring in the fourth minute after a defensive blunder by Ruben Dias allowed him to lob the ball over Ederson. Two minutes later, City’s woes deepened as John Stones limped off injured, forcing an early substitution.
Mbappe doubled the lead in the 33rd minute with a clinical finish after outmaneuvering City’s defense, leaving Josko Gvardiol on the ground. He completed his hat-trick in the 61st minute, drilling a powerful left-footed strike past Ederson.
Real continued to dominate, with Ederson making key saves to prevent an even bigger defeat. City managed a late consolation goal through Nico Gonzalez, who capitalized on a rebound after Omar Marmoush’s free kick hit the crossbar.
The result underscores Madrid’s credentials as strong contenders for a record-extending 16th Champions League title.
