Kylian Mbappe delivered a breathtaking performance on Wednesday night, leading Real Madrid to a commanding 3-1 victory over Manchester City in the Champions League. With this win, Madrid secured a 6-3 aggregate triumph in the knockout play-off, sending City crashing out of the competition earlier than ever under manager Pep Guardiola.
The French forward dominated the match, scoring a stunning hat-trick that left City’s defense helpless. His two first-half goals all but sealed the tie, and his third, a well-placed left-footed strike just after the hour mark, put the result beyond doubt. City managed a late consolation goal through Nico Gonzalez, but it was too little, too late.
Guardiola’s Historic Champions League Exit
For Guardiola, the defeat marked an unwanted milestone. It was the first time in his 16-year managerial career that his team had been eliminated before the Champions League last-16 stage. Additionally, City’s exit in the play-offs made this their earliest elimination from the tournament since the 2012/13 season when they failed to progress beyond the group stage.
To make matters worse, this loss was City’s 13th across all competitions this season—the most defeats Guardiola has ever suffered in a single campaign. His previous worst record was 12 losses in the 2019/20 season.
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Former Manchester United defender and football pundit Rio Ferdinand believes the result showed a rare moment of submission from a Guardiola-led team.
“It’s the first time I’ve seen a Man City team under Pep Guardiola almost tapping out, looking for the final whistle,” Ferdinand told TNT Sports. “This season, there have been many moments where you think, ‘That isn’t the identity of a Pep Guardiola team,’ and tonight was an example of that.”
Despite the disappointment, Guardiola accepted the result gracefully. “We have to accept it, the best team won. Congratulations to Real Madrid,” he said. “After we conceded the first goal, it became more difficult. We didn’t defend well. We didn’t deserve to go through. Now, we focus on the Premier League.”
Mbappe’s Magic and Madrid’s Title Hopes
For Mbappe, the night was another display of his brilliance. His hat-trick not only ensured Real Madrid’s progress but also reinforced their status as serious contenders for the Champions League title.
“A perfect night for the team,” Mbappe said after the match. “We wanted to win, we wanted to qualify for the next round. When you play against Manchester City, it is always a difficult game, but we knew that at home we would be very strong.”
The French superstar, who has now scored two hat-tricks for Real Madrid, expressed his ambition to leave a lasting legacy at the club. “I want to make a mark on the season. I want to write history with Real Madrid. The adaptation period for me has ended, and now I have to show my quality.”
With City out of the way, Real Madrid moves forward with their sights set on Champions League glory. While Guardiola’s side will now turn their attention to the Premier League, Mbappe and Madrid are in prime position to challenge for yet another European title.