In a performance at the Santiago Bernabeu, Kylian Mbappe’s hat-trick propelled Real Madrid to a decisive 3-1 victory over Manchester City, securing their spot in the Champions League knockout stages.
Real Madrid’s Hat-Trick Hero Mbappe Chooses His Next UCL Opponent
This triumph, which culminated in a 6-3 aggregate score, has set the stage for a last-16 encounter against either Atletico Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen.
Mbappe wasted no time, opening the scoring within five minutes with a deft lob over Ederson. He doubled the lead in the 33rd minute and completed his hat-trick in the second half, showcasing his exceptional talent and composure.
This feat not only underscores his pivotal role at Real Madrid but also highlights his growing legacy in European football.
Reflecting on the match, Mbappe described it as a “perfect night,” emphasizing the team’s determination to dominate at home.
He stated, “We gave everything in front of our home fans and we won because we produced a great performance against City, who are always difficult to play.”
Looking ahead to the next round, Mbappe expressed a preference for facing city rivals Atletico Madrid over Bayer Leverkusen.
He candidly remarked, “Honestly, I would rather we are drawn against Atleti. They and Bayern are two great clubs and it would be difficult either way.
But in the next round, it would be much better for us if we don’t have to travel—we travel so much!”
Manager Carlo Ancelotti, however, remained neutral regarding the upcoming draw.
When asked about his preferred opponent, he commented, “I don’t know. Honestly, I don’t know. Who I want tonight could change tomorrow.
All I want to say about the draw is that both Atleti and Leverkusen are good rivals and we will respect them.”
This victory not only advances Real Madrid in the tournament but also solidifies Mbappe’s status as a key player in their European campaign.
Fans eagerly await the draw to see which team will challenge Los Blancos in the next round.
