Real Madrid Dominate Manchester City 3-1 to Secure Champions League Last 16 Spot

Madrid’s Masterclass Ends City’s Champions League Run

Real Madrid produced a sensational display at the Santiago Bernabeu, overpowering Manchester City 3-1 in the second leg of their Champions League last 16 tie. A Kylian Mbappe hat-trick was the highlight of a masterclass performance by Carlo Ancelotti’s side, ensuring a 6-3 aggregate victory and sending the reigning Premier League champions crashing out of the tournament.

Despite Pep Guardiola’s impressive record in Europe, this marks the first time in his illustrious managerial career that one of his teams has failed to progress beyond the Round of 16 in the UEFA Champions League. Without their talisman Erling Haaland, City struggled to break down Madrid’s defense, only managing a late consolation goal through Nico Gonzalez in stoppage time.

The 15-time European champions were in complete control from start to finish, showcasing their pedigree on the grandest stage. Mbappe, who had been under scrutiny after a slow start at Madrid, delivered a spectacular performance, proving why he is regarded as one of the best players in world football.

Mbappe’s Hat-Trick Steals the Show

Madrid wasted no time asserting their dominance, opening the scoring in just the 4th minute when Mbappe latched onto a long pass from Raul Asencio, shrugged off Ruben Dias, and delicately lobbed the ball over City’s goalkeeper Ederson.

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The Bernabeu erupted as Madrid took an early lead, setting the tone for a long night for Guardiola’s men. Things went from bad to worse for City when John Stones limped off injured, further weakening their defensive structure.

Madrid doubled their lead in the 33rd minute, with their lethal attacking force combining to slice through City's defense. Jude Bellingham played Vinicius Jr. into space, who in turn found Rodrygo. The Brazilian unselfishly flicked the ball to Mbappe, who expertly turned past Josko Gvardiol before rifling a shot past Ederson at the near post.

The French superstar completed his hat-trick in the 62nd minute, capitalizing on City's defensive frailties. Given far too much space on the edge of the area, he unleashed a clinical strike that left Ederson with no chance, sealing Madrid’s passage into the last 16 in emphatic fashion.

This took Mbappe’s tally to seven goals in 10 Champions League appearances this season, and 28 goals overall for the campaign, with 18 in his last 18 games across all competitions.

City’s Champions League Dreams Shattered

Despite their attacking talent, Manchester City were far from their best, struggling to create meaningful opportunities in open play. Their lone goal came in stoppage time, when Omar Marmoush struck a fierce free-kick off the crossbar, allowing Nico Gonzalez to tap in the rebound. However, by that point, Madrid had already sealed their victory.

For Guardiola, this defeat will be a bitter pill to swallow, marking one of the worst European exits of his career. City, who lifted the trophy in 2023, are now out of contention, adding further pressure on their already inconsistent season.

City have now lost 13 of their last 26 games in all competitions, and with a crucial Premier League showdown against Liverpool this Sunday, their focus will shift to securing a top-four finish.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid continue their pursuit of European and domestic glory, still in contention for three major titles this season. Their next Champions League clash will be against either Atletico Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen in what promises to be another thrilling encounter.