Sports Desk:

Kylian Mbappé’s stunning hat-trick against Manchester City powered Real Madrid into the Champions League Round of 16, prompting coach Carlo Ancelotti to compare him to club legend Cristiano Ronaldo as Los Blancos chase European glory.

Real Madrid fans erupted with joy as Kylian Mbappe delivered a stunning hat-trick to propel Los Blancos into the Champions League Round of 16, securing a 3-1 victory over Manchester City on February 20. The win sealed Real Madrid’s qualification with an impressive 6-3 aggregate score across both legs, reinforcing their status as serious contenders for European glory.

Mbappe, who has long dreamed of wearing the iconic white jersey, initially had a measured start at Real Madrid, but his sensational performance against Pep Guardiola’s City has now elevated him to 28 goals across all competitions this season. The French star’s growing influence at the club has drawn widespread praise, none more significant than that of Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti.

Mbappe opened the scoresheet for Real Madrid in just the fourth minute of the game, setting the tone for the night. He doubled the lead in the 33rd minute, capitalizing on City’s defensive lapses. His hat-trick goal came in the second half, on the 66th minute, further deepening City’s struggles. Their misery was somewhat softened when new signing Nico González pulled one back for Guardiola’s side in stoppage time (90+2), but it was too little, too late.

Speaking after the match, Ancelotti lauded Mbappe’s brilliance and even made a bold prediction: if the 25-year-old continues to play at his full potential, he could reach the legendary heights of Cristiano Ronaldo at the club. The comparison is a monumental one, as Ronaldo remains Real Madrid’s all-time leading goalscorer with 451 goals in 438 appearances, winning four Champions League titles, two LaLiga crowns, two Copa del Rey trophies, and multiple domestic and international honors.

“Everyone was waiting for this hat-trick from him and it has finally arrived,” Ancelotti said.

“He has the quality to reach the level of Cristiano [Ronaldo]. He has to work. Cristiano set the bar very high. He’s started his career at this club now. I think with his quality, and the excitement he has about playing here, he can reach Cristiano’s level, but it won’t be easy. He’ll have to work at it,” he added.

While Ancelotti acknowledged that Ronaldo’s legacy remains an incredibly high standard for any footballer at Real Madrid, he believes Mbappe has the talent, drive, and consistency to carve his own era of dominance at the Santiago Bernabéu. Given his electric pace, clinical finishing, and big-game mentality, Mbappe has already showcased why he was Real Madrid’s most sought-after signing for years.

With Los Blancos eyeing yet another Champions League triumph, Mbappe’s rise to prominence comes at the perfect time. If he continues to produce match-winning performances like his hat-trick against City, he could very well be on his way to etching his name among the greatest players to ever wear the famous white shirt.