UCL: Kylian Mbappe Scores Hat-Trick as Real Madrid Dump Manchester City Out of Champions League

Kylian Mbappe's hat-trick led Real Madrid to a 3-1 win over Manchester City, securing a 6-3 aggregate victory and a spot in the Champions League last 16.

Real Madrid secured a convincing 3-1 victory over Manchester City, with Kylian Mbappe's stunning hat-trick propelling Los Blancos into the Champions League last 16. The win marked the third time in four seasons that Real Madrid have eliminated Manchester City from the competition, with an aggregate scoreline of 6-3.

The Bernabeu faithful were cautiously optimistic ahead of the match, drawing confidence from Real Madrid's impressive record in Champions League ties where they had won the first leg away from home. The hosts had progressed in 37 of their previous 39 such ties, and their fans were eager to see this trend continue.

Real Madrid wasted no time in asserting their dominance, taking the lead just four minutes into the match. Raul Asencio's long ball caught Ruben Dias off guard, and Kylian Mbappe seized the opportunity, lifting the ball nonchalantly over the stranded Ederson to give Los Blancos an early advantage.

Real Madrid's third goal in just 12 minutes of play gave them a comfortable cushion against Manchester City, but the 15-time Champions League winners refused to take their foot off the gas. They continued to dominate, earning a series of corners, one of which saw Jude Bellingham narrowly miss the target with a glanced header.

The hosts' relentless pressure paid off again in the 33rd minute, as Vinicius Junior's pass found Rodrygo, who flicked it on to Kylian Mbappe. The French striker showcased his skill with a deft touch that left Josko Gvardiol in his wake, before slotting the ball past Ederson at the near post.

Mbappé hat-trick ⚽⚽⚽#UCL pic.twitter.com/SquHPdq8FQ

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 19, 2025

Manchester City's attacking woes continued in the second half, with the absence of Erling Haaland clearly felt. Real Madrid, meanwhile, remained in total control, and Mbappe completed his 21st career hat-trick in style. The Frenchman cut inside Phil Foden and guided a left-footed finish into the net from the edge of the area.

KYLIAN MBAPPÉ: HAT-TRICK.
That's the tweet. pic.twitter.com/2lXbWNoaPQ

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) February 19, 2025

Although Manchester City showed slight improvement after Mbappe's hat-trick goal, Real Madrid still looked the more likely to score. Vinicius Junior tested Ederson with a curling effort, and the hosts continued to dictate the pace of the game. City's dejection was palpable as the match drew to a close, although they did manage a consolation goal in stoppage time through Nico Gonzalez.

🤳 @KMbappe: "Hello Madridistas, big night at the Bernabéu! We're in the Round of 16 of the @ChampionsLeague. We'll keep pushing. Hala Madrid!" pic.twitter.com/vcgcuOcaPm

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) February 19, 2025

The meeting between the last two Champions League winners at this stage was unexpected, but Real Madrid emerged victorious for the second season running. Having gone on to lift the trophy last time, they will now face either Atlético Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen in the last 16 as they bid to repeat their success.