On February 21, 2024, Real Madrid triumphed over Manchester City with a convincing 3-1 victory at Santiago Bernabéu, advancing to the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League with an aggregate score of 6-3. This match was characterized by the exceptional performance of Kylian Mbappé, who scored all three goals, showcasing his ability to shine on the biggest stage.
The evening began with Mbappé demonstrating why many regard him as the best player in the world. Just four minutes after the kickoff, he received a long pass and delicately lifted the ball over City’s goalkeeper Ederson, giving Real Madrid the early lead. It marked the start of what would be a memorable night for both the player and the fans.
Mbappé was not finished there; he doubled the lead just before halftime. At the 33-minute mark, he expertly navigated past Manchester City’s Josko Gvardiol, finishing calmly to make it 2-0. By the time the halftime whistle blew, Real Madrid was up 5-2 on aggregate, putting them firmly on the path to the next round.
After the break, the French forward completed his hat trick at the 61st minute. He fired a low shot from outside the penalty area, causing Ederson to look helpless once again. At this stage, the aggregate score read 6-2, and Madrid appeared poised to dominate the match completely. The Santiago Bernabéu erupted with joy, celebrating what was not only Mbappé’s first hat trick for Real Madrid but also his significant contribution to the team’s quest for another Champions League title.
Kylian Mbappé, now with 55 goals to his name in Champions League history, has solidified his place among the greats of the competition. His impressive record places him eighth on the all-time scoring list, surpassing legends like Thierry Henry and Zlatan Ibrahimović. This hat trick against City is his third in Champions League play, the first coming during his time at Paris Saint-Germain. His dominant display has cemented his status as one of the leading figures at Real Madrid.
"A perfect night for the team. We wanted to win, to qualify. For us, it's logical for Madrid to be in the Champions round of 16, but when you play against City, it's always hard," Mbappé remarked after the match, emphasizing the team's collective effort.
Real Madrid’s ability to dismantle City’s tactics was evident from the start. They controlled the game, forcing City to play defensively and react to their relentless offense. Pep Guardiola commended Real Madrid, saying, "The best team won. We had not been at our best this year," acknowledging the superiority of his opponents throughout the match.
This victory not only advances Real Madrid to the next round of the Champions League but also reinforces their reputation as one of the tournament's most formidable teams. With the draw for the next round scheduled for February 21, Madrid awaits to see who their next challengers will be, possibly facing off against teams like Bayer Leverkusen or Atlético de Madrid.
Throughout their illustrious history, Real Madrid has consistently displayed dominance in European competition. Their win against Manchester City adds to their legacy, as they seek to capture their 16th Champions League title, continuing to build on the storied tradition of success.
Real Madrid's remarkable performance against Manchester City serves as a reminder of their status as the champions of Europe, one who can never be underestimated. With Kylian Mbappé leading the charge, fans have every reason to believe this season could end on another high note for the legendary club.