Kylian Mbappe delivered a breathtaking hat-trick to propel defending Champions League winners Real Madrid past Manchester City and into the knockout rounds. The Spanish giants, who held a narrow 3-2 advantage from the first leg at the Etihad Stadium, produced a dominant performance at the Santiago Bernabéu to eliminate Pep Guardiola’s side in emphatic fashion. Their victory sets up a highly anticipated last-16 clash against either Atletico Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen.

While some Real Madrid supporters might prefer to avoid a high-stakes showdown with city rivals Atletico, Mbappe has expressed his excitement about a potential clash with Diego Simeone’s resilient side. Atletico Madrid have been in superb form this season, currently sitting in third place in La Liga—just one point behind joint leaders Real Madrid and Barcelona. Their impressive domestic campaign has also translated into European success, as they secured automatic qualification for the Champions League knockout rounds.