Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti couldn’t hide his delight after Kylian Mbappe’s stunning hat-trick sealed a 3-1 (6-3 aggregate) victory over Manchester City, powering the Champions League holders into the last 16.
The Spanish giants have now knocked out Pep Guardiola’s side in three of the last four seasons, and Mbappe’s brilliance at the Bernabeu stole the show in the Champions League clash.
Ancelotti didn’t hold back in praising his star striker, suggesting Mbappe could one day rival the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid’s all-time top scorer with 451 goals in 438 appearances. “He has the quality to reach those numbers, but it’s about hard work,” Ancelotti said at the post-match press conference. “Cristiano set an incredibly high standard, but Kylian’s so fired up to be here – he can get there.”
The Italian tactician also highlighted the team’s collective strength. “Everyone was waiting for this hat-trick from Mbappe, and it’s finally arrived,” he added. “But he’s not alone. We have plenty of players who make a difference, and their teamwork outshines even their individual talent, it’s impressive.”