Mbappe’s Masterclass at the Bernabeu
Kylian Mbappe’s performance in the UEFA Champions League match against Manchester City at the Santiago Bernabeu was nothing short of spectacular. The Frenchman, who has been making waves in European football, showcased his elite marksmanship by netting his fifth, sixth, and seventh goals in just 10 matches this season. His hat-trick not only solidified Real Madrid’s lead but also brought his total goal contributions to 30 in his debut season with the club. The first goal came early, just inside the four-minute mark, when Mbappe’s looping effort found the back of the net over the head of Ederson. The crowd erupted, but Mbappe was just getting started.
Mbappe’s Second and Third Goals: A Display of Elegance and Skill
Mbappe’s second goal was a masterclass in composure and technique. He effortlessly sat down Josko Gvardiol before slotting the ball home, making it 2-0 on the night. Commentators Steve McManaman and Rio Ferdinand were awestruck by the audacity and skill displayed by the French forward. "What more does this man have to do?" McManaman exclaimed. "The audacity, in the penalty area, on a night like this." Ferdinand added, "He absolutely laid the defender down on the floor. Devastating, wonderful from Mbappe. Lie down." Just a minute after the hour mark, Mbappe completed his hat-trick, sliding a left-footed effort into the far corner, leaving Ederson with no chance. The second hat-trick of his Real Madrid career further cemented his status as one of the world’s best strikers.
Praise from the Commentators and Studio Analysts
In the TNT Sports studio at half-time, former Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott and Rio Ferdinand couldn’t contain their admiration for Mbappe’s performance. Lescott made a particularly lofty comparison, stating, "As soon as Mbappe got into that position, with the level of calmness and composure he showed, [it was] the first time I’ve looked at him and he’s reminded me of Thierry Henry. The way he’s playing with so much elegance and smoothness. It’s enjoyable to watch." Ferdinand echoed this sentiment, adding, "Pace is one of his superpowers. You don’t want to get into a race with someone of Mbappe’s level." The commentators marveled at Mbappe’s ability to turn the game in Real Madrid’s favor with his speed and skill, making him a constant threat to the opposition.
Real Madrid Manager Carlo Ancelotti’s Praise
Real Madrid’s manager, Carlo Ancelotti, was equally effusive in his praise for Mbappe. In his post-match interview with TNT Sports, Ancelotti called Mbappe "fantastic" and highlighted the synergy between Mbappe and the other front-line players. "He’s a fantastic player," the Italian manager said. "We have a lot of quality in the front with Mbappe, Vinicius, Rodrygo, Bellingham. When they connect together, we are really dangerous. That happened in these two games. He had a lot of opportunities against a really good team." Ancelotti’s comments underscored the importance of Mbappe’s form and the team’s overall performance in securing a crucial victory against a formidable opponent.
Teammate Jude Bellingham’s Appreciation
Jude Bellingham, the young English midfielder who also contributed with an injury-time winner in the first leg at the Etihad Stadium, spoke glowingly about his French teammate. "It is brilliant playing with him," Bellingham said. "You go into games knowing you can give him the ball, and he is going to affect things. Our job behind him and the rest of the front three is to try and get them into the best positions possible and I myself try and get in the box too. You know when Kylian gets the ball in the areas he likes on the pitch, he is going to be dangerous. Left foot or right foot. He scored a few different types of goals today." Bellingham’s comments not only praised Mbappe’s individual brilliance but also highlighted the team’s collective effort in creating and capitalizing on opportunities.
Mbappe’s Journey and Future Prospects
Mbappe’s journey in Spain has not been without its challenges. He faced criticism for his early form, but his recent performance has silenced many doubters. Bellingham acknowledged this, saying, "It is incredible what he has done in his career. I know he had a slow start here and took time getting used to life here. Now he is flying and it’s so good to see." In the TNT Sports UEFA Champions League Highlights studio, Owen Hargreaves emphasized that Mbappe, in his current form, is "a problem for anyone." "The first [goal] is amazing," Hargreaves said. "You can’t give Mbappe that space. Mbappe’s confidence goes up. [For the second] once Mbappe gets into that position, that is naughty, that [to sit Gvardiol down]. To take that little decision there and to do that to Gvardiol shows the confidence that he has that he didn’t have at the start of the season. He’s a special player." With TNT Sports set to stream over 500 matches from the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, and UEFA Conference League across the 2024-25 season, fans can look forward to more thrilling performances from Kylian Mbappe and his teammates.
