February 20 – Kylian Mbappé notched a sumptuous hattrick in Real Madrid’s 3-1 second leg win over Manchester City on Wednesday evening to secure the Spanish giants berth in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) round of 16.
The Frenchman led the line for Madrid across the two matches notching four goals in the 6-3 aggregate win, condemning Manchester City to their earliest UCL exit since the 2012-13 season.
The hosts produced a vintage display at the Santiago Bernabéu, backing up their credentials in the competition with some outstanding attacking play. They opened the scoring with their first attack as Mbappé chased a long ball from Raúl Asencio and lobbed a stranded Ederson.
On the touchline, Pep Guardiola held his head in his hands. It was a disastrous start from which his side did not recover.
The defending champions exposed some of City’s weaknesses this season: the frail midfield and the weakened defence. It was almost cruel to field the 20-year-old Abdukodir Khusanov at right-back against Vinicius Junior.
On the other winger, it was Rodrygo, another Brazilian, who orchestrated the second goal, neatly taking down the ball before his cross found Mbappé in the centre-left channel. He cut inside to leave Joško Gvardiol on the floor before finishing with aplomb.
Rodrygo’s play was thrilling, but there was no doubting the evening’s star. Just after the hour mark, Mbappé completed his hattrick when the City defence backpedalled and offered the Frenchman all the space and time in the world.
He stepped inside Phil Foden and bent a shot into the far corner with his weaker left foot. It was Mbappé’s 27th goal in 38 games in all competitions this campaign.
City’s capitulation was complete, although Nico Gonzalez did convert a consolation goal from a rebound in the closing minutes of the contest.
The manner of Manchester City’s defeat was damning and perhaps a sign that a new era is needed at the club. At no point did the visitors muster any resistance. It’s the first time that a Pep Guardiola team have been eliminated before the last-16 of the UCL.
“We could not deal with the physicality or the rhythm they had,” said the Spaniard. “We accept it, the best team won. We congratulate Real Madrid and will focus on the Premier League.”
“Not just Kylian Mbappé, they have so many players that can make the difference. We will fight to be here [in the Champions League] next year. We were so lucky to win this competition once and to arrive in another final. We are not at the level at the moment.”
Real Madrid waltz on and few will be surprised to see Carlo Ancelotti’s team reach the final again in May in a competition that always brings out the best in the Spanish club.
Contact the writer of this story, Samindra Kunti, at moc.l1740152054labto1740152054ofdlr1740152054owedi1740152054sni@i1740152054tnuk.1740152054ardni1740152054mas1740152054