February 20, (THEWILL) – Real Madrid progressed to the UEFA Champions League last 16 following a 3-1 victory against Manchester City at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday evening, completing a 6-3 aggregate triumph in the knockout play-off.
The English side entered the match trailing by one goal after a disappointing first leg finale, but their situation deteriorated rapidly in Madrid when Kylian Mbappe found the net after just four minutes with a skilful lob over Ederson. The French forward doubled his tally shortly after the half-hour mark, effectively putting the tie beyond City’s reach.
Mbappe completed his hat-trick in the second half, drilling home Madrid’s sixth goal across both matches, while Nico Gonzalez registered a late consolation goal for the visitors – his first for Manchester City. It was an outcome that gave evidence to the Spanish champions’ continued European dominance in 2025.
The reigning European champions will next face either Bayer Leverkusen or city rivals Atletico Madrid in the last 16 stage of the competition. Real Madrid’s opponent will be determined during Friday’s draw, as the tournament progresses toward its conclusion.
Manchester City, meanwhile, must regroup following this comprehensive defeat, which represents another setback in their quest for another UCL glory. Despite significant investment and domestic success, the Premier League side once again found themselves outplayed by Carlo Ancelotti’s experienced European specialists.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
