Kylian Mbappé’s Magic Leads Real Madrid to a Big Win Over Manchester City

Wow, what a night at the Santiago Bernabeu! Real Madrid smashed Manchester City 3-1 on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, in the second leg of their Champions League playoff. Coach Carlo Ancelotti called it a “complete game,” and honestly, he’s not wrong—but all eyes were on one guy: Kylian Mbappé. He scored three goals, nabbed Player of the Match, and basically ran the show. Here’s how it all went down.

Mbappé’s Runs Were a Nightmare for City
Everyone’s talking about how Mbappé kept darting behind City’s defense. UEFA’s Rafa Benítez put it plain and simple: “Those runs in behind made the difference.” Even Pep Guardiola admitted, “We couldn’t stop his movement.” And that’s what this game was all about—Mbappé racing into space and City scrambling to catch up.

Take his first goal, just three minutes in. Youngster Raúl Asencio pinged a cracking long ball from the back. He told Movistar Plus later, “I saw Kylian’s run—it was perfect.” Asencio’s first touch set him up, he locked eyes with Mbappé, and as soon as he kicked it, Mbappé took off. The pass landed spot-on—too far for goalkeeper Ederson but past Rúben Dias. Mbappé stayed cool as you like and lobbed it over Ederson. 1-0, and the crowd lost it!

Not Just Fast Breaks—Real Had Control Too
Here’s the thing: Real Madrid weren’t just hitting City on the counter. Benítez pointed out they bossed the ball and still kept making those runs. Check out the second big moment—Real had the ball, nice and calm. Aurélien Tchouaméni got it in the middle, spotted Mbappé curving his run to stay onside, and flicked a pass with the outside of his foot. Ederson saved it this time, but City were sweating. Mbappé made 11 runs like that all night—tied with Vinícius Jr. for the most. No wonder City couldn’t cope!

The Front Four Shine Bright
Mbappé’s hat-trick sealed it, but he wasn’t alone. The second goal was a beauty—Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Jr., and Rodrygo linked up like they were reading each other’s minds. Rodrygo slipped the ball to Mbappé, who danced past Joško Gvardiol like he was in a movie, then slotted it low into the net. Ancelotti couldn’t stop smiling about his front four. “When they click, we’re seriously dangerous,” he said. Real’s scored three or more goals in their last five games now—that’s wild!

Kylian Mbappé’s Magic Leads Real Madrid

https://youtu.be/4W4hWEEv3eA?si=Pebo04YToLQNk6Y_

City Couldn’t Keep Up
Guardiola wasn’t happy. He said Real’s speed and skill were top-notch, but what really threw City off was how they mixed it up. In the past, Real were all about quick breaks, but now? They can hold the ball, move it around, and still hit you hard. Ancelotti agreed: “Kylian never loses it, and when he gets a chance to attack, he’s trouble.” That third goal—another Mbappé stunner—proved it. City just couldn’t handle him.

A Night to Remember
This was Mbappé’s first hat-trick at the Bernabeu, and Ancelotti reckons it won’t be his last. Real Madrid marched into the Champions League round of 16 with a 6-3 win over two legs, and they looked solid—tight at the back and deadly up top. For City, it’s a rough end to their European run. For Mbappé and Real, it’s a sign of big things to come. What a game—did you catch it? Let me know what you thought below!