Sports
Mbappe Scores Hat-Trick as Real Madrid Knock Man City Out of Champions League
- Mbappe hat-trick propels Real Madrid past Manchester City with a 6-3 aggregate win.
- City struggles as Haaland’s absence and defensive woes lead to an early Champions League exit.
- Ancelotti’s tactics shine as Madrid dominate from start to finish, securing a last-16 spot.
Kylian Mbappe delivered a stunning hat-trick as reigning Champions League holders Real Madrid cruised past Manchester City with a 3-1 victory on Wednesday, sealing a commanding 6-3 aggregate win to reach the last 16.
Pep Guardiola’s side, missing star striker Erling Haaland, struggled to make an impact and suffered an early exit at the hands of the 15-time champions.
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Madrid dominated from the start, with Mbappe opening the scoring in just the fourth minute with a delicate lob over Ederson after a pinpoint long pass from young defender Raul Asencio.
The French forward doubled the lead before halftime, linking up brilliantly with his attacking partners to slice through City’s defence.
He completed his treble in the second half with a precise low strike from the edge of the box, taking his Champions League tally to seven goals in 10 appearances this season.
City, the 2023 winners, failed to mount a serious challenge, reflecting their inconsistent form this campaign.
Their woes deepened when John Stones limped off early, adding to the absence of Haaland, who was only fit enough for the bench after picking up a knock against Newcastle.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, welcomed back Antonio Rudiger from injury, allowing Aurelien Tchouameni to return to midfield, where he played a pivotal role in controlling the game.
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Madrid’s relentless attack kept City on the back foot, with Fede Valverde going close and Ederson forced into a crucial save from Mbappe after another incisive long ball from Tchouameni.
City managed a late consolation through Nico Gonzalez in stoppage time, but it was too little, too late as Madrid stamped their authority on the tie, marching into the next round with another statement performance.
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