Real Madrid saw out Manchester City at home during their rematch on Wednesday night, triumphing with a 3-1 victory against their rivals. Manchester City had only a 1% chance of progressing after suffering a defeat in the first leg at the Etihad Stadium. Their 3-2 loss to Real Madrid marked the beginning of their downfall. In the reverse fixture, they conceded first in the sixth minute.
In the first half, Manchester City trailed by two goals despite dominating possession. Real Madrid capitalized on counter-attacks and long balls, allowing Kylian Mbappé to exploit City’s defense. Manchester City endured a challenging night at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.
The game was do-or-die for Manchester City, but they failed to overturn their fortunes against Real Madrid. With this victory, Real Madrid surpassed Manchester City in head-to-head wins. Real Madrid now leads with five (5) wins, while Manchester City has four (4). The two teams have drawn five times since their first meeting. Matches between these rivals are always anticipated for their intensity and quality.
When ask about their loss, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola said, ‘the best team wins, congratulations to Real Madrid’.
How many goals did Kylian Mbappé score in the Real Madrid vs. Manchester City match?
Kylian Mbappé was the hero of the game, scoring three (3) goals (a hat trick) to secure the win for Real Madrid. He netted a brace (2) in the first half before sealing the victory with a goal in the 65th minute. In the first leg, he scored once in the 60th minute, making him the top scorer over the two legs with four (4) goals.
Who were the stars of the game?
Kylian Mbappé stood out with his three (3) goals. Manchester City player Nico Gonzalez also had a memorable night, scoring his first goal for the club in the 90th minute, ending the game at 3-1. Omar Marmoush contributed with an assist for Gonzalez’s goal while playing as a striker in place of the injured Erling Haaland, who was sidelined after sustaining an injury during the Newcastle United match at the Etihad.
Khusanov, Manchester City’s new defender signed during the January transfer window from Ligue 1 club Lens, was also notable. Despite early struggles, he regained his composure and successfully contained Vinícius Júnior. Khusanov is quickly adapting to Manchester City’s style and proving to be a solid presence at right back.
Which teams have qualified for the Round of 16 of the Champions League after the knockout stages?
With the knockout stages concluded on Wednesday, the following teams have qualified for the Round of 16:
- Feyenoord (NED)
- Club Brugge (BEL)
- Bayern Munich (GER)
- Benfica (POR)
- Borussia Dortmund (GER)
- PSV Eindhoven (NED)
- PSG (FRA)
- Real Madrid (ESP)
Full list of the teams in the Round of 16:
- Arsenal (ENG)
- Aston Villa (ENG)
- Atlético Madrid (ESP)
- Barcelona (ESP)
- Inter Milan (ITA)
- Bayer Leverkusen (GER)
- Lille (FRA)
- Liverpool (ENG)
- Feyenoord (NED)
- Club Brugge (BEL)
- Bayern Munich (GER)
- Benfica (POR)
- Borussia Dortmund (GER)
- PSV Eindhoven (NED)
- PSG (FRA)
- Real Madrid (ESP)
When is the Champions League draw for the Round of 16, quarter-finals, and semi-finals?
Following the conclusion of the knockout stages, the draw for the Round of 16, quarter-finals, and semi-finals will take place on Friday, 21st February 2025, at 12:00 CET.