Real Madrid player ratings vs Manchester City: The new king of football? Mbappe's masterclass leaves fans speechless
The France captain scored three goals to lead Carlo Ancelotti's team to a resounding victory at the Bernabeu. Kylian Mbappe scored a hat-trick, while the rest of Real Madrid's assault hummed, leading Los Blancos to a 3-1 victory against Manchester City, securing their Champions League qualification.
Kylian Mbappe ft. 'Real Madrid vs Manchester City.'
Getty Images Sport
Getty Images Sport
Getty Images Sport
Getty Images Sport
The summer signing was at his harsh and direct best, finishing off slick movements on three consecutive occasions as Madrid demonstrated their ability to be dominant in Europe.
Los Blancos took the lead after four minutes, thanks to Raul Asencio's wonderful pass over the top to Mbappe, who hoisted the ball over Ederson and in. Mbappe almost scored a second shortly after, stinging the City goalkeeper's palms with an instinctive shot.
After 34 minutes, he made it two thanks to a fantastic flowing move. Jude Bellingham discovered Vinicius Jr., who confronted Rodrygo. The Brazilian might have gone alone, but he supplied Mbappe, who cut inside his opponent and hammered home.
The Madrid celebration began after the interval, with Mbappe leading the way as Los Blancos breezed through the second half. He completed his hat trick after 61 minutes, dancing past Phil Foden and looping one into the bottom corner. There should have been more too. Vinicius shot wide and had another well saved, while Rodrygo and Bellingham glided around, creating many opportunities.
Meanwhile, City created little. They were a ghost of the treble-winning side of 2023, and almost unrecognizable from the team that came within minutes of defeating Los Blancos a little less than a year earlier. Youngster Asencio masterfully marshalled the visitors' onslaught, leaving Pep Guardiola's side gasping for breath on the ball. A late Nico Gonzalez comeback did nothing more than save City's blushes. This was a thrashing, and it demonstrated that Madrid is the side to beat in the Champions League.
Goalkeeper and Defence
Thibaut Courtois (7 out of 10)
There was barely anything to do. Made a handful of good saves but was mostly a spectator. Gonzalez's consolation is not going to work.
Federico Valverde (8 out of 10)
Legs were full at the right back. Made things happen in both directions.
Raul Asencio (7 out of 10)
Immense throughout. Threw in some tackles, got an assist, and won his individual duels.
Toni Rudiger (7 out of 10)
A solid return. As reliable as ever in the air, it covered a large area well.
Ferland Mendy (7 out of 10)
The biggest tribute that can be made to him is that he was barely involved.
Midfield
Dani Ceballos (7 out of 10)
Orchestrated from deep within and efficiently kept the ball moving. However, the break was occasionally exploited.
Aurelien Tchouameni (7 out of 10)
Solid in a more traditional midfield position. Won the ball and moved it along.
Jude Bellingham (8 out of 10)
Fantastic in possession and gave out a lot of energy. The real blemish on his evening was a stupid challenge that eliminated him from the first leg of the next round.
Attack
Rodrygo (7 out of 10)
His workrate on the right was great, as was his assist to Mbappe. An invaluable, selfless performance.
Kylian Mbappe (10 out of 10)
When given the opportunity, he was lethal. Provided a beautiful finish for 2-0. Did it again to complete his European hat-trick. Magic.
Vinicius Jr (8 out 10)
He began ripping his man apart from the first minute. Involved in the buildup to the second goal. He probably earned one of his own to finish it off.
