Kylian Mbappe matches Cristiano Ronaldo’s RECORD as hat-trick sinks Manchester City

Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe scored a hat-trick against Manchester City in the UCL, equaling Cristiano Ronaldo's record in the process.

Kylian Mbappe matches Cristiano Ronaldo’s RECORD as hat-trick sinks Manchester City

Kylian Mbappe scored a brilliant hat-trick for Real Madrid, against Manchester City in the UCL. (via GOAL)

Real Madrid number nine Kylian Mbappe‘s impressive hat-trick inspired the club to an impressive 3-1 victory of Manchester City in the UCL play-offs. The 26-year-old with his three goals, also equaled Cristiano Ronaldo‘s impressive record at the club.

Los Blancos already held a 3-2 advantage over Man City from the first-leg at the Etihad. Mbappe took Madrid ahead in the 4th minute, followed by another goal from the Frenchman in the 33rd minute. At the hour mark, he competed his hat-trick, his second for the club this season. Mbappe’s second goal was a remarkable one, as he dribbled past a sliding Josko Gvardiol, to put it into the back of the net.

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Following his brilliant hat-trick, the Frenchman took his season tally to 28 goals in just 38 appearances. Moreover, Mbappe also equaled a Real Madrid record, held by his idol Cristiano Ronaldo. He became the fourth Los Blancos star to score a hat-trick in a UCL knock-out match, following in the footsteps of Cristiano (Ronaldo), Ronaldo Nazario and Karim Benzema.

Additionally, the 26-year-old also reached 500 career goal-contributions, becoming the youngest player in history to achieve this feat. In another incredible first, Mbappe became the only player to score a UCL knock-out treble against a team manager by Pep Guardiola. He is now the only player to both score a European Cup hat-trick at the Bernabeu and the Camp Nou, two of Spain’s most iconic stadiums.

Kylian Mbappe‘s extraordinary pace, dribbling and finishing skills were at play, as Man City failed to make it to the UCL last-16 for the first time since 2012-13. Los Blancos will face city-rivals Atletico Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen in the round of 16.

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti claims Kylian Mbappe can reach Cristiano Ronaldo’s level

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti went on to claim that Kylian Mbappe can reach to the same level as former Los Blancos forward Cristiano Ronaldo. His comments came after the Frenchman scored a brilliant hat-trick for the club in a 3-1 win over Man City.

Kylian Mbappe Carlo Ancelotti Ronaldo record
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti claimed that Kylian Mbappe can match Cristiano Ronaldo’s levels.(via Football Espana)

Kylian Mbappe is miles away from the Portuguese striker’s record for the club, having struck 451 goals in 438 matches. However, manager Carlo Ancelotti expressed his confidence in the 26-year-old forward’s abilities. He went on to claim that Mbappe can breach Ronaldo’s numbers, despite the 40-year-old having set the bar too high.

He has the quality to reach his numbers, but he has to work, because Cristiano set the bar very high, but he is so excited to play here, he can reach Cristiano’s level.

Carlo Ancelotti on Kylian Mbappe (H/T ESPN)

Meanwhile, the Real Madrid number nine’s match-winning display also boosted the club’s hopes of winning the UCL title this season. Los Blancos have always won the trophy when they eliminated Man City in the knock-out stages.