Mbappé’s hat-trick was the defining moment in a thrilling Champions League clash as Real Madrid defeated Manchester City 3-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu. This stunning performance not only led Madrid to victory but also secured their spot in the UCL Round of 16 with a 6-3 aggregate score. Mbappé’s hat-trick played a pivotal role in eliminating City, and the French star’s brilliance was evident throughout the match.
First Half: A Strong Start with Mbappé’s Early Goal
The match kicked off with Real Madrid applying early pressure, and it wasn’t long before Mbappé made his mark. In the 4th minute, Asensio sent a long ball to Mbappé, who deftly chipped the ball over Ederson to open the scoring.
City’s troubles grew as John Stones was forced off due to injury, and Guardiola substituted Nathan Ake in the 8th minute. Real Madrid continued to dominate, with Jude Bellingham nearly adding a second goal with a header in the 15th minute. Despite some efforts from Valverde and Asensio, City struggled to break into the game.
In the 33rd minute, Mbappé doubled his tally after a brilliant dribble past Gvardiol and an easy finish to make it 2-0. Real Madrid controlled the rest of the half, with City failing to create any significant chances.
Second Half: Mbappé Completes His Hat-Trick
The second half saw Manchester City finally come to life, but it was still Mbappé who stole the spotlight. In the 61st minute, Valverde delivered a perfect pass to Mbappé, who fired a low shot past Ederson for his third goal of the night. This hat-trick sealed Madrid’s dominance and left City with little hope of mounting a comeback.
City managed a few attempts, with Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva coming close, but neither found the back of the net. Rodrygo also had a chance to make it 4-0, but his shot was easily saved by Ederson.
Late Consolation for Manchester City
As the match neared its conclusion, Manchester City managed to score a late goal in the 90+2 minute. Nico Gonzalez pounced on a rebound from Marmoush’s free-kick, which hit the crossbar and easily tapped it into the net for a consolation goal. However, the late goal didn’t alter the outcome, as Real Madrid comfortably sealed a 3-1 victory.
Real Madrid Advances Thanks to Mbappé’s Hat-Trick
Mbappé’s hat-trick was the match’s highlight, ensuring Real Madrid advanced to the UCL Round of 16 with a 6-3 aggregate score. Mbappé’s dazzling performance sent a clear message that he is one of the world’s best, and Real Madrid is a formidable force in this year’s competition.
