Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti lavished praise on Kylian Mbappé after the French striker’s stunning hat-trick propelled the Spanish giants to a 3-1 victory over Manchester City on Wednesday, securing their place in the Champions League last 16. The win was a statement of intent from the 15-time European champions, who are now eyeing a record-extending 16th title.
Ancelotti, speaking at a post-match press conference, drew comparisons between Mbappé and Real Madrid legend Cristiano Ronaldo, the club’s all-time leading scorer with 451 goals in 438 appearances. “He has the quality to reach Cristiano’s numbers, but he has to work for it. Cristiano set the bar incredibly high, but Mbappé is so excited to play here, and I believe he can reach that level,” Ancelotti said.
The Italian manager also emphasized the collective effort of his squad, noting that while Mbappé’s individual brilliance was on full display, the team’s success was built on unity. “Everyone was waiting for this hat-trick from him, and it finally arrived. But Mbappé isn’t the only one who makes a difference. We have many players who contribute, and their collective work is just as remarkable as their individual quality,” he added.
Mbappé, who joined Real Madrid after a prolific six-year spell at Paris Saint-Germain where he scored 256 goals in 308 appearances, downplayed the significance of personal accolades. “I was the Champions League’s top scorer last year, but did I win it? No,” he said. “I don’t care about being the leading scorer. In my career, I’ve scored many goals. If those goals help us win titles, I’d sign with my blood. Scoring 50 goals would be great, but all I want is to win trophies.”
The match itself was a showcase of Mbappé’s lethal finishing. He opened the scoring in the fourth minute, capitalizing on a defensive error by Manchester City captain Ruben Dias, who missed a header, allowing Mbappé to lob the ball over goalkeeper Ederson. The Frenchman struck again in the 33rd minute with a close-range finish after leaving defender Josko Gvardiol on the floor with a sharp cutback. Mbappé completed his hat-trick in the 61st minute with a precise left-footed strike from the edge of the box, sealing a dominant performance.
Despite a late consolation goal from City’s Nico Gonzalez, Real Madrid’s victory was never in doubt. Ancelotti, however, expressed frustration at his team’s slow start to the campaign, which forced them into the knockout round. “It’s not ideal to have to go through the knockout stage. We had to play 10 games to reach the last 16,” he said. “We’re not coming out of a difficult period; we’re entering one because this is when the real season begins. There’s no time to rest, but emotionally, this tie has been good for us. Let’s keep rolling.”
Real Madrid will now face either Bayer Leverkusen or city rivals Atletico Madrid in the next round, depending on Friday’s draw. With Mbappé in scintillating form and Ancelotti’s side gaining momentum, the Spanish giants are firmly in the hunt for yet another Champions League crown.
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