Real Madrid – Manchester City: Match Summary of the Champions League

Another night for the history books. Another epic duel against Manchester City that will remain etched in the memory of all Madridists. Real Madrid, with its unmistakable mark of magic and fight, defeated the "cityzen" team (3-1) and advanced to the round of 16 of the Champions League.

At the Santiago Bernabéu, an unbeatable setting, the reigning champions of Europe offered a lesson in character and passion. Only Real Madrid knows how to lead moments like these.

In the tactical section, Carlo Ancelotti included Antonio Rüdiger in the starting line-up in the center of defense, joined by Raúl Asencio. Fede Valverde started again from the right-back position and Aurélien Tchouaméni moved to the midfield alongside Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos. For the goals, the usual suspects: Rodrygo Goes, Vinícius, and Kylian Mbappé.

Kylian Mbappé: Absolute Executioner of City

Precisely, it took Kylian Mbappé less than five minutes to score the first goal of the match, taking advantage of an excellent ball from Asencio behind Rúben Días. The Frenchman, with all the calm in the world, lifted the ball over Ederson to deliver a heavy blow to Manchester City. Pep Guardiola's plan began to falter even more when John Stones, after a muscle discomfort, had to leave the field.

Real Madrid, comfortable on the field, left the ball in possession of their rival. It was something that didn't matter much to Carlo Ancelotti. Little by little, Vinícius's dribbling began to appear against a Khusanov who was already experiencing the Bernabéu's hell firsthand.

Minutes passed, and there was hardly any trace of the Manchester City of past years. A team without soul that didn't make Real Madrid sweat excessively, being led by Kylian Mbappé. The Frenchman put on an authentic show and widened the gap in the 33rd minute with another masterpiece.

Vinícius started the play on his opposite wing, Rodrygo provided a nutmeg assist, and the Bondy turtle left Gvardiol on the ground. A goal to be remembered for years; one of those that leaves you speechless.

The first half was almost perfect. In terms of play, Carlo Ancelotti couldn't ask for more from his players during the break. However, Jude Bellingham received a yellow card after a late tackle, leaving him out for the first leg of the round of 16.

Madridist Exhibition at the Bernabéu

Real Madrid came out with the same idea after the break. Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola's talk didn't seem to have much effect, as the first clear opportunity was at Rodrygo's feet. Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius continued with their respective performances.

The English were a rag doll in the hands of Real Madrid and the Santiago Bernabéu, which was already asking for the third goal. The feeling of superiority was absolute, to the point that Guardiola's team couldn't maintain maximum ball possession.

The Catalan coach's face said it all and there was still more to come. Kylian Mbappé, on his magical night, made it 3-0 with an unstoppable low shot that Ederson could do little about.

The French forward became an absolute idol of the Santiago Bernabéu. On the appointed day, the boy who always dreamed of playing for Real Madrid took a giant step to seal the fate of Manchester City.

The "skyblue" team confirmed the end of its cycle with a humiliation from Real Madrid, which took the opportunity to rub salt in the wound. The fourth goal could have come, but Rodrygo finished poorly another great play by the whites. Meanwhile, the Bernabéu crowd, aware of the exhibition, bid farewell to their team with applause.

City scored the final goal after a powerful shot from Marmoush on a free kick that hit the crossbar and was finished by Nico.

With no time for more, Real Madrid confirmed, with a thrashing of Manchester City, its presence in the round of 16 draw. Their opponent, either Atlético de Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen, will be known next Friday.