Kylian Mbappe was the star for Real Madrid as his superb hat-trick inspired a 3-1 victory over Manchester City in the second leg of their Champions League knockout play-off, sealing a 6-3 win on aggregate.
Pep Guardiola’s side had been leading the tie heading into the 86th minute of the first leg before conceding two late goals. But there was no such competitiveness at the Bernabeu as Real Madrid showed their superior pedigree.
Mbappe wasted no time in putting the hosts ahead. It was a simple ball over the top that caught Man City out and, after a slip from Ruben Dias, the striker kept his composure to lob the goalkeeper inside four minutes.
Things went from bad to worse for City in the aftermath too as John Stones – after a seemingly innocuous challenge – was taken off injured.
Real Madrid continued to rack up the chances – Mbappe beating Dias again for pace with Ederson needing to make the save in the highlight of the shots – but the France international made no mistake in doubling the lead in the 34th minute.
The Real front line overloaded a bamboozled Man City defence, with a neat short pass from Rodrygo finding Mbappe. He then dummied past Josko Gvardiol – leaving him on the floor – before slamming home.
And, on the hour, Mbappe completed his fine hat-trick to round off Real Madrid’s rout. He was picked out over on the right of the area with zero pressure, skipping past Phil Foden before an arrowed, low finish into the far corner.
There were a few signs of life from the visitors in the final 15 minutes – having failed to have a shot on target in the opening hour – and they managed to net a consolation in added time. Omar Marmoush’s free-kick cannoned off the crossbar and Nico Gonzalez was there to turn home, with a VAR check confirming the goal stood.
It is another bruising moment in Man City’s season and less than ideal preparation for their showdown with Liverpool in their next Premier League game on Super Sunday, live on Sky Sports this weekend.
More to follow.
