Hat-Trick Hero Mbappe Leads Real Madrid to Champions League Victory Over Man City

By Samuel Akpan with additional agency reports

Kylian Mbappe’s brilliant hat-trick led Real Madrid to a 3-1 win over Manchester City in the Champions League play-off second leg, securing a 6-3 aggregate victory.

The French striker’s impressive performance at the Santiago Bernabeu has finally silenced critics who questioned his adaptation to life in Madrid.

Mbappe’s talent was on full display as he scored three goals, showcasing his blistering pace, sharp movement, and ruthless finishing.

His first goal came just four minutes into the game, looping the ball over Ederson after a pass from Raul Asencio.

“I think it’s brilliant,” said team-mate Jude Bellingham.

“I think you go into games knowing that he’s going to affect games. You can give him the ball, and I think our job behind is to try to put the front three, and myself getting in there, in the best positions as possible.”

Mbappe’s hat-trick took his tally to 27 goals in all competitions this season, and he has now scored seven goals against Manchester City in the Champions League.

“I think what he’s done in his career is incredible,” Bellingham added.

“And I know he had a slow start, and he’s kind of getting used to life here but now he’s just flying and it’s a pleasure to watch.”

The French striker’s performance has drawn comparisons with Cristiano Ronaldo, who won four Champions League crowns and two La Liga titles during his time at Real Madrid.

Mbappe’s seven goals in this season’s Champions League have him level with Ronaldo (2009-10) and Spanish striker Justo Tejada (1961-62) for most goals scored by a Real player in Europe’s premier club competition during their debut campaign.

Mbappe’s impressive display has cemented his status as a key player for Real Madrid, and he is now starting to look more like the feared frontman who scored 256 goals in 308 appearances during six years at Paris St-Germain.

“The adaptation period for me has ended and now I have to show my quality,” Mbappe said.

“I want to play well here, I want to make a mark on the season.”