“I aspire to make history with Real Madrid.”
Kylian Mbappe’s statement to the press was unmistakable after his stunning hat-trick dismantled Manchester City in the second leg of their 3-1 Champions League play-off triumph.
The French forward’s goal in the 3-2 first-leg victory at Etihad Stadium may have stemmed from a mis-hit strike, but there was nothing lucky about any of his three in the rematch at Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday, which secured a 6-3 aggregate win over the English titleholders.
Mbappe’s brilliance was on full display—his electrifying speed, intelligent movement, and clinical finishing proved too much for Pep Guardiola’s squad to contain, ensuring the reigning champions’ progression to the last 16.
Not long ago, the France captain was heavily criticized by Real fans and analysts after netting only three times in 11 outings for Carlo Ancelotti’s team. This followed the 26-year-old’s controversial departure from Paris St-Germain to join the Spanish powerhouse on a free transfer last June after his contract expired.
However, he has now tallied 27 goals across all competitions this season following a ‘sluggish start’ to his Madrid tenure. It’s evident he is no longer adjusting—he is excelling.
“The transition period for me is over, and now it’s time to demonstrate my ability,” Mbappe declared. “I want to perform well here and leave my mark on the season.”
“Our objective was victory. We were determined to advance to the next round. For us, it was only natural that Real progressed in the Champions League.”
Mbappe is now beginning to resemble the lethal striker who amassed 256 goals in 308 matches over six seasons at PSG.
And the Real supporters have clearly welcomed him as well, as he received a standing ovation when he was substituted in the 78th minute after his treble.
“What an ovation for Mbappe,” exclaimed BBC Radio 5 Live’s chief football correspondent John Murray.
“What a footballer. What a personality. What a phenomenon. Just listen to how much they adore him in Madrid.”
Mbappe initially struggled to adjust to the central attacking role assigned to him by Ancelotti, with Vinicius Jr favored in his preferred left-wing position.
“If you reflect on the first Clasico of the season at Bernabeu, it was a pivotal moment for him,” European football analyst James Horncastle told BBC Match of the Day.
“Madrid suffered a 4-0 defeat, Mbappe failed to score, and he was caught offside eight times. That was unimaginable for him.”
His underwhelming form in Spain even resulted in his exclusion from the France squad, as Didier Deschamps left out the national team captain for four Nations League fixtures in October and November last year.
However, since the start of the new year, he has registered seven goals in six La Liga matches while also keeping Real competitive in Europe after a shaky beginning to their campaign.
“I don’t believe anyone ever doubted his capabilities; it was just a matter of time before he acclimated to this club,” said former England defender Joleon Lescott on TNT Sports.
Murray added: “There were initial concerns about whether he would integrate here. That notion now seems absurd.”
It’s no surprise he is already drawing comparisons to another Real icon—none other than Cristiano Ronaldo.
In fact, statistics indicate he is already replicating the feats of the Portuguese superstar, who clinched four Champions League titles and two La Liga championships during his trophy-laden stint in Madrid.
Mbappe’s seven goals in this season’s Champions League place him level with Ronaldo (2009-10) and Spanish forward Justo Tejada (1961-62) for the most goals netted by a Real player in their inaugural campaign in Europe’s elite club competition.
“What he has accomplished in his career is astonishing,” team-mate Jude Bellingham told TNT Sports.
“I know he had a slow beginning here and needed time to adapt. Now, he is flourishing, and it’s fantastic to witness.”
With more performances like Wednesday’s, it’s only a matter of time before he solidifies his position as the face and talisman of this Real squad.
“Tonight, he officially introduced himself to this club and its supporters,” added former Manchester City and England defender Lescott.
“If they go on to win it, this will be remembered as the moment they acknowledge Mbappe as their leader and key figure.”
