If football had royalty, Kylian Mbappé would be wearing the crown and sitting on a throne made of the Citizens defenders. The French superstar put on a show at the Santiago Bernabéu, scoring a breathtaking hat-trick to send Pep Guardiola’s men spiraling out of the Champions League.
Mbappé wasted no time making his mark, slotting in the opener in the fourth minute after a catastrophic defensive mix-up. If that wasn’t enough, he added a second in the 34th minute, a moment that saw Guardiola momentarily pause his frantic touchline gesticulations in sheer disbelief. By the time Mbappé completed his hat-trick in the 60th minute, the Citizens’s hopes had been reduced to distant memories, much like their defense on the night. A late consolation goal from Nico González in stoppage time did little to soften the blow—it was the football equivalent of applying a band-aid to a sinking ship.
Pep Talks Philosophical… Again
Post-match, Guardiola remained philosophical, as he often does after a European disaster. In a candid press conference, Guardiola acknowledged that “nothing is eternal,” signaling a recognition of the need for evolution within the squad. “We accept it. The best team won,” he admitted, though one could sense the frustration creeping into his usual diplomatic tone. He pointed to key absences, most notably the towering Erling Haaland, whose knee injury had robbed the Citizens of their most potent weapon. But would Haaland’s presence have really changed the outcome? Given the defensive frailties on display, it’s hard to imagine even a 12-foot cyborg striker making much of a difference.
For Guardiola, this marks an unfortunate new milestone: his earliest Champions League exit with the Citizens. In recent years, City have perfected the art of European heartbreak, but this was a capitulation of a different level. The dream of a consecutive title is now buried under the weight of their own inconsistency.
Ancelotti’s Chess Game
Meanwhile, Carlo Ancelotti watched the chaos unfold from the touchline with the same relaxed demeanor as a grandfather watching his grandkids struggle with a Rubik’s cube. The Italian tactician outwitted Guardiola in every department, orchestrating a game plan that capitalized on City’s defensive lapses while keeping their attack in check.
With Mbappé now seamlessly integrated into the squad, Real Madrid look like an unstoppable force. Ancelotti hailed the Frenchman’s contribution, calling him “a joy to coach,” though deep down, he was probably just relieved he doesn’t have to face him in a different jersey. Madrid’s squad, already brimming with experience, now has a lethal mix of youth, speed, and raw talent.
the Citizens’s Season from Bad to Worse
This latest humiliation is just another chapter in what has been an uncharacteristically shaky season for the Citizens. With 13 losses across all competitions—the most under Guardiola’s reign—the alarm bells are ringing louder than ever. Once hailed as an untouchable tactical genius, Guardiola now finds himself grappling with uncomfortable questions: Is this the beginning of the Citizens’s decline? Have they been figured out? Has his relentless perfectionism finally exhausted his squad?
The Premier League remains their last chance at redemption, but even that feels like an uphill battle. Guardiola, ever the pragmatist, will surely tweak his system, revamp his squad, and return with a vengeance. But for now, the Citizens must face the cold reality: their European ambitions have crumbled at the hands (or rather, the feet) of Real Madrid.
Real Madrid’s Title Charge Gains Momentum
While the Citizens lick their wounds, Real Madrid march on with a renewed sense of purpose. With Mbappé firing on all cylinders and Ancelotti pulling the strings with his usual effortless brilliance, Los Blancos are once again favorites to lift the Champions League trophy.
For the Madrid faithful, this was more than just a victory—it was a statement. The kings of Europe have no intention of relinquishing their throne. And as for City? Well, there’s always next year… and the year after that… and the year after that.
