Real Madrid 3-1 Man City (6-3 agg): Mbappe’s Hat-Trick Puts Los Blancos on the Path to Glory

Real Madrid Too Strong for Manchester City in the Champions League

Real Madrid secured their place in the Champions League last 16 with a commanding 3-1 victory over Manchester City at the Santiago Bernabeu, sealing a 6-3 aggregate win.

Kylian Mbappe stole the show with a sensational hat-trick, while City struggled without Erling Haaland and suffered an early blow as John Stones was forced off injured.

Carlo Ancelotti’s pre-match prediction that “the winner of this tie will go on to lift the trophy” might just come true.

Match Summary

Mbappe Strikes Early

Manchester City started the game with their usual possession-based approach, looking to control the tempo. However, before they could even settle into the game, Kylian Mbappe found the back of the net just four minutes in.

A well-placed long ball caught City’s defense off guard, and Mbappe calmly chipped the ball over Ederson to put Madrid ahead.

Madrid Dominates the First Half

With their confidence soaring, Madrid dictated the game, launching wave after wave of attacks. City, on the other hand, struggled to cope with the intensity.

Just after the half-hour mark, Mbappe doubled his tally. After an excellent build-up involving Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior, and Rodrygo, the Frenchman received the ball, left Josko Gvardiol on the ground with a brilliant feint, and slotted the ball past Ederson.

With City completely outplayed, Madrid went into halftime with a firm grip on the tie.

Mbappe Completes His Hat-Trick

Madrid continued their dominance in the second half. Rodrygo and Valverde were constant threats, forcing saves from Ederson.

In the 63rd minute, Mbappe sealed his hat-trick in style. After effortlessly beating Phil Foden with a step-over, he curled a precise left-footed shot into the bottom corner, putting the game completely out of City’s reach.

City managed a late consolation goal through Nico Gonzalez, who capitalized on a rebound after Omar Marmoush’s free-kick struck the crossbar. However, it was too little, too late.

Key Talking Points

Mbappe Makes the Difference

This performance showed exactly why Real Madrid pursued Kylian Mbappe for so long.

After a slow start following his high-profile transfer, the French star has been unstoppable in 2025. His composure, skill, and killer instinct on the biggest stage proved why he is considered one of the best in the world.

Haaland’s Absence Hurt City

While Mbappe was the hero for Madrid, Erling Haaland was only a spectator on the bench.

After captaining City to a victory against Newcastle United days earlier, Haaland was deemed unfit to start due to a minor injury.

His absence was evident, as City struggled to pose any real attacking threat.

John Stones Injury Blow

City’s night went from bad to worse when John Stones was forced off injured in the eighth minute.

Losing a key defensive figure so early disrupted City’s structure, and Madrid took full advantage.

With a crucial Premier League clash against leaders Liverpool coming up, Guardiola will be concerned about the extent of Stones’ injury.

Ancelotti’s Bold Prediction

Carlo Ancelotti stated before the first leg that the winner of this tie would go on to lift the Champions League trophy.

This prediction has been true for the past three seasons, and after Madrid’s dominant display, they certainly look like strong contenders once again.

Their resilience in the first leg and ruthless finishing in the second will have sent a warning to the remaining teams in the competition.

Who Will Madrid Face Next?

Real Madrid will meet either Bayer Leverkusen or city rivals Atletico Madrid in the last 16.

Do you think Madrid can go all the way and win the Champions League? Share your thoughts in the comments!