Kylian Mbappe delivered an extraordinary performance as Real Madrid secured their place in the Champions League last 16 with a decisive 3-1 victory over Manchester City on Wednesday. The French superstar netted a sensational hat-trick, showcasing his exceptional talent and helping Los Blancos achieve a commanding 6-3 aggregate score.
The match, held in the Spanish capital, saw Pep Guardiola's Manchester City face an early exit from the competition. Without their key striker Erling Haaland, City's offense struggled to keep up with the relentless pace set by Real Madrid, who are the 15-time record holders of the Champions League title.
Mbappe broke the deadlock in the fourth minute with a beautifully executed lob, setting the tone for the rest of the game. He followed up with a well-timed finish after a clever interplay with his teammates, further destabilizing the English side's defense. Despite Manchester City's efforts to mount a comeback, Nico Gonzalez secured the win for Real Madrid by tapping in a goal during stoppage time.
In the second half, Mbappe continued his remarkable form, scoring his third goal with a precise low strike from the edge of the box. This goal not only completed his hat-trick but also brought his tally to seven goals in the Champions League this season, achieved in just ten appearances. Overall, Mbappe has scored 28 goals this season, including 18 in his last 18 games across all competitions, highlighting his consistent and prolific performance.
Reference(s):
Mbappe hat-trick as Real Madrid knock Man City out of Champions League
cgtn.com
