Real Madrid vs Manchester City Report

Scorers: Mbappe 4’, 33’, 61’; Gonzalez 90+2’

Kylian Mbappé delivered a stunning hat-trick as Real Madrid dismantled Manchester City 3-1 at the Santiago Bernabéu, sealing a commanding 6-3 aggregate victory and securing their place in the UEFA Champions League last 16.

The result marks the third time in the last four seasons that Los Blancos have eliminated Pep Guardiola’s side, reaffirming their status as European football’s ultimate powerhouse.

Early Statement as Mbappé Strikes Within Four Minutes

Coming into the second leg with a 3-2 advantage from their victory at the Etihad, Real Madrid were determined to build on their strong position.

The Bernabéu crowd, known for their grand tifos on such occasions, instead chose to focus on sheer vocal support, drawing confidence from their club’s remarkable history—having progressed in all but two of their previous 39 UCL knockout ties after winning the first leg away from home.

It took just four minutes for Madrid to tighten their grip on the tie. A long ball from Raúl Asencio was misjudged by Rúben Dias, allowing Mbappé to pounce.

With trademark composure, the French forward delicately chipped the stranded Ederson, extending Madrid’s aggregate lead to 4-2 and sending a clear message that they were not about to sit back.

Mbappé Doubles Madrid’s Lead in Spectacular Fashion

Despite taking an early advantage, Madrid continued to press, refusing to let City settle. Jude Bellingham came close to adding another, glancing a header narrowly wide from a corner.

The hosts’ intensity finally bore fruit again in the 33rd minute when Vinícius Júnior found Rodrygo inside the box.

The Brazilian’s deft flick found Mbappé, who made Joško Gvardiol look helpless with a sublime first touch before rifling the ball past Ederson at his near post.

Madrid’s dominance was evident, while City—missing the presence of Erling Haaland—offered little in attack. Guardiola’s men had struggled to create clear-cut chances in the first half, and that pattern continued after the break as the visitors lacked their usual attacking fluidity.

Mbappé Completes Hat-Trick as City’s Resistance Crumbles

Real Madrid continued to control proceedings after the restart, and it was no surprise when Mbappé completed his hat-trick in breathtaking fashion.

Cutting inside Phil Foden on the edge of the area, the French superstar curled a sublime left-footed finish into the net, putting the tie well and truly out of City’s reach.

It was his 21st career hat-trick and yet another reminder of why he remains one of the most feared forwards in world football.

The home side continued to threaten, with Vinícius testing Ederson from distance, while City looked increasingly dejected. Though Guardiola’s men saw a slight uptick in possession, they lacked the cutting edge that had seen them crowned European champions last season.

City Snatch Late Consolation but Fall Short Again

With Madrid in full control, the match wound down with little urgency from either side. However, City managed to grab a consolation goal in stoppage time.

Omar Marmoush’s free-kick struck the crossbar, and Nico González reacted quickest to tap in the rebound.

What This Means for Both Teams

• Real Madrid: Los Blancos once again proved why they are the kings of European football. With another statement performance on the biggest stage, they march into the last 16 with sights set firmly on another deep run. Their next challenge will be against either arch-rivals Atlético Madrid or Xabi Alonso’s impressive Bayer Leverkusen side.
• Manchester City: After their UCL triumph last season, City’s reign as European champions comes to a premature end. Their failure to recover from their first-leg defeat and lack of attacking threat without Haaland exposed vulnerabilities that Guardiola will need to address if they are to remain competitive in multiple competitions this season.

Final Thoughts

Real Madrid delivered another Champions League masterclass, with Kylian Mbappé proving to be the difference once again. City, despite their quality, were outplayed over both legs, and their European dream ends at the hands of the Spanish giants for the second consecutive season.

With momentum firmly on their side, Madrid will now look ahead to the next round as they continue their pursuit of a record-extending 16th Champions League title.

For more info on this game’s outcome, you may also visit:
Real Madrid vs Man City | UEFA Champions League 2024/25