Kylian Mbappe delivered a performance for the ages, netting a sensational hat-trick to guide Real Madrid past Manchester City in a 3-1 victory at Santiago Bernabeu. The French superstar, who had already scored in the first leg at the Etihad, dismantled Pep Guardiola’s side with a display of pace, precision, and ruthless finishing.
Kylian Mbappe’s efforts secured a 6-3 aggregate win for the reigning European champions, ensuring their progression to the last 16 of the Champions League. His dominant performance was a statement to both critics and supporters, reaffirming his status as one of the world’s best forwards. After a rocky start to life in Madrid, Mbappe now looks fully integrated into Carlo Ancelotti’s squad, and his post-match comments made his ambitions crystal clear.
“The adaptation period for me has ended, and now I have to show my quality,” Kylian Mbappe stated. “I want to write history with Real Madrid.”
From Scrutiny to Stardom: Kylian Mbappe’s Madrid Turnaround
The 26-year-old arrived in Spain last summer following an acrimonious exit from Paris Saint-Germain, where he had amassed an astonishing 256 goals in 308 appearances. However, his early days in Madrid were far from smooth. Mbappe struggled in Ancelotti’s system, registering just three goals in his first 11 games, leading to skepticism from fans and pundits alike.
His struggles were further compounded by Vinicius Jr.’s continued dominance on the left wing, forcing Mbappe into a central striker role—a position he initially found difficult to adapt to. The criticism reached its peak when he endured a disastrous performance in El Clasico, where Real Madrid suffered a humiliating 4-0 defeat to Barcelona, and Mbappe was caught offside a staggering eight times.
However, the new year brought a resurgence. With seven goals in his last six La Liga appearances, Mbappe has finally found his rhythm, proving he belongs at the Santiago Bernabeu. His latest Champions League heroics not only silenced his critics but also cemented his status as the new talisman of Los Blancos.
‘Incredible What He Has Done’ – Bellingham’s Praise
Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham was among the first to praise his teammate’s transformation, lauding Mbappe’s determination and resilience.
“It is incredible what he has done in his career,” Bellingham told TNT Sports. “I know he had a slow start here and took time getting used to life here. Now he is flying, and it’s so good to see.”
Bellingham was not alone in his admiration. Former England defender Joleon Lescott echoed the sentiment, stating that any doubts about Mbappe’s fit at Real now seem “preposterous.” Even BBC commentator John Murray marveled at the standing ovation Mbappe received from the Bernabeu faithful when he was substituted in the 78th minute, describing it as “a moment of recognition from Madrid fans who now see him as one of their own.”
Comparisons with Ronaldo Grow Stronger
Kylian Mbappe’s resurgence has sparked inevitable comparisons with Real Madrid legend Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese icon won four Champions League titles and became Real’s all-time leading scorer, but Mbappe’s numbers in his debut season are already raising eyebrows.
His seven goals in this season’s Champions League have equaled the record for most goals scored by a Real player in Europe’s premier competition during their first campaign. That tally puts him level with Ronaldo’s 2009-10 season and Spanish striker Justo Tejada’s 1961-62 campaign.
While it is still early days, Mbappe’s trajectory suggests he could follow in Ronaldo’s footsteps and become the next global superstar to define an era at Real Madrid. Former Manchester City defender Lescott even suggested that if Real go on to win the Champions League this season, “this will be the moment they recognize Mbappe is their guy and the main man.”
Kylian Mbappe’s Ultimate Goal: Making History
With his place now firmly established in Madrid’s attacking lineup, Mbappe has set his sights on the ultimate prize—leaving a legacy at the club.
“We wanted to win. We wanted to qualify for the next round. For us, it was only logical that Real reached the next round of the Champions League,” Mbappe emphasized.
His ambition is clear: to etch his name alongside the greats who have donned the iconic white shirt. With his ability to single-handedly change games and his growing connection with the Real Madrid fans, Mbappe’s dream of writing history may not be far from reality. If he continues this form, there is no doubt that he could become the face of Real Madrid’s next golden era.
