Thu Feb 20 00:31:28 UTC 2025: ## Mbappe’s Bernabeu Hat-Trick Sends Real Madrid to Champions League Last 16

**Madrid, Spain** – Kylian Mbappé’s first career hat-trick at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium propelled Real Madrid into the Champions League last 16 with a 3-1 victory over Manchester City. The aggregate score of 6-3 secures Real Madrid’s progression after their 3-2 win at the Etihad Stadium.

Mbappé’s masterful performance included a delicate lob, a goal after skillfully dribbling past Josko Gvardiol, and a powerful left-footed strike. While City managed a late consolation goal through Nico Gonzalez, it was insufficient to overturn the deficit. A late penalty appeal for City was overturned by VAR.

Real Madrid will now face either Bayer Leverkusen or city rivals Atlético Madrid in the last 16, with the draw taking place on Friday. Manager Carlo Ancelotti praised Mbappé’s performance but also highlighted the collective strength of his forward line, including Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, and Jude Bellingham.

This marks the first time in Pep Guardiola’s distinguished managerial career that he has failed to lead his team to the Champions League last 16. Guardiola acknowledged Real Madrid’s superior performance and conceded that his team did not deserve to progress. He cited their poor defensive performance after conceding an early goal as a key factor in their defeat.

The match also saw several other notable milestones. It was Mbappé’s first Champions League hat-trick for Real Madrid, his third overall, and the first time a player has scored a hat-trick at both the Bernabéu and Camp Nou in Champions League/European Cup history. Fede Valverde’s impressive performance at right-back also contributed significantly to Real Madrid’s victory. Furthermore, two USA Men’s National Team players scored in PSV Eindhoven’s thrilling extra-time victory against Juventus, marking the first time this has occurred in a single Champions League knockout tie. The elimination of Juventus concludes a disastrous Champions League campaign for all three Serie A teams that participated in the knockout play-off. Only Inter Milan remains from Italy.

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