Mbappé Hat-Trick Sends Real Madrid Past Manchester City in Champions League Rout

Posted : 20 February 2025

Real Madrid secured their place in the Champions League last 16 with a commanding 3-1 victory over Manchester City, sealing a 6-3 aggregate triumph. Kylian Mbappé was the star of the night, netting a brilliant hat-trick that left Pep Guardiola’s side struggling to respond.

The French forward opened the scoring with a clever lob in the fourth minute before adding a second after combining with his attacking teammates. His third, a precise strike from the edge of the box, took his tally to seven goals in the competition this season.

City, the 2023 Champions League winners, never found their rhythm and looked far from their best. Guardiola’s side was further weakened by the absence of Erling Haaland, who was left on the bench after suffering a knock. Meanwhile, Real Madrid welcomed Antonio Rüdiger back into the defense, allowing Aurélien Tchouaméni to return to midfield.

Madrid’s dominance was clear from the start, with Mbappé making an early impact by outmuscling Rúben Dias and lofting the ball over Ederson. City’s problems deepened when John Stones was forced off due to injury, further disrupting their already fragile setup.

Madrid’s attacking firepower was on full display in the 33rd minute when Mbappé doubled their lead. Jude Bellingham initiated the move, feeding Vinícius Júnior, who set up Rodrygo to assist Mbappé’s clinical finish.

City struggled to respond, and their frustration was evident when Bellingham received a yellow card for fouling Phil Foden, ruling him out of the first leg of the next round. Despite City’s efforts, Madrid remained in control, and Mbappé completed his hat-trick just after the hour mark with a stunning individual effort, finding space before slotting the ball past Ederson.

Although City managed a late consolation goal when Omar Marmoush’s free-kick rebounded off the crossbar for Nico González to tap in, it was too little, too late. The defeat highlighted City’s struggles this season, with 13 losses in their last 26 matches across all competitions.

Their focus now shifts to a crucial Premier League clash with Liverpool as they battle for a top-four finish. In contrast, Real Madrid, still competing on multiple fronts, continue their pursuit of silverware, with a last-16 tie against either Atlético Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen next on their agenda.

Mbappé Hat-Trick Sends Real Madrid Past Manchester City in Champions League Rout

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