Kylian Mbappé struck a stunning hat-trick as Champions League holders Real Madrid secured a 3-1 victory over Manchester City on Wednesday, sealing their place in the last 16 with a 6-3 aggregate triumph.
Pep Guardiola’s side endured a frustrating early exit, barely troubling the dominant 15-time record winners until Nico González netted a late consolation goal.
French superstar Mbappé opened the scoring with a delicate lob in the fourth minute and doubled Madrid’s lead after linking up beautifully with his attacking teammates. The in-form forward completed his treble in the second half with a precise low drive from the edge of the box, bringing his tally to seven goals in this season’s competition.
City, who lifted the trophy in 2023, looked far from their best, continuing their inconsistent form this campaign.
Guardiola’s preparations were disrupted when Erling Haaland, who scored twice in the first leg, was only fit enough for the bench after sustaining a knock against Newcastle.
In contrast, Real Madrid welcomed Antonio Rüdiger back from injury, allowing Aurélien Tchouaméni to return to midfield as Carlo Ancelotti’s side produced a near-flawless first-half display.
Mbappé shrugged off Rúben Dias and lifted the ball over City goalkeeper Ederson after young defender Raúl Asencio picked him out with a long pass.
City’s injury woes deepened as John Stones was forced off early, compounding their troubles. Fede Valverde went close with a deflected effort, while Ederson denied Mbappé after a pinpoint pass from Tchouaméni.
‘Fantastic Four’ Shine
Mbappé struck again in the 33rd minute following slick interplay from Madrid’s ‘Fantastic Four.’ Jude Bellingham found Vinícius Júnior, who set up Rodrygo to tee up Mbappé. The Frenchman sidestepped Joško Gvardiol before firing in at the near post.
Guardiola had admitted City had only a “one per cent chance” of progressing, and his side’s performance reflected that.
Madrid’s only setback was a yellow card for Bellingham after fouling England teammate Phil Foden, ruling him out of the first leg of the last 16.
Despite recent controversy after a red card in La Liga, Bellingham controlled the midfield, but the night belonged to Mbappé.
The 26-year-old capped his hat-trick with a superb solo effort just after the hour, finding space at the edge of the box before drilling past Ederson as City’s defence stood off.
Mbappé left the pitch to a standing ovation, and although Madrid continued to create chances, they failed to add to their tally. The home crowd, however, revelled in their side’s dominance over a team they have battled fiercely in recent years.
City pulled one back in stoppage time when Omar Marmoush’s free-kick hit the bar, allowing González to tap in, but it was little more than a consolation.
Guardiola’s men have now lost 13 of their last 26 matches in all competitions and face Premier League leaders Liverpool on Sunday in a crucial battle for a top-four finish.
Madrid, on the other hand, remain in contention for three major trophies and, with Mbappé in scintillating form, believe they can win them all.
Awaiting them in the last 16 is either city rivals Atlético Madrid or Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen.