Real Madrid Defeats Manchester City 3-1 to Secure Champions League Semifinal Spot

Madrid, February 19, 2025 – Real Madrid delivered a commanding performance at Santiago Bernabéu, defeating Manchester City 3-1 in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League quarterfinal clash. With an aggregate score of 6-3, Los Blancos secured their place in the semifinals, while City saw their European campaign come to an end.

Match Summary

Real Madrid struck early in the fourth minute when Kylian Mbappé converted a pass from Marco Asensio to give the home side a 1-0 lead. The French forward continued his dominance, scoring again in the 33rd minute, this time assisted by Rodrygo, doubling Madrid’s advantage.

City struggled to respond, and their frustration was evident when Jude Bellingham received a yellow card for a rough challenge in the 38th minute, which will see him suspended for the next match.

At the start of the second half, Manchester City briefly showed signs of resurgence. Nico was booked for time-wasting in the 47th minute, but the visitors failed to capitalize on their possession. In the 61st minute, Mbappé completed his hat-trick, finishing a pass from Federico Valverde to make it 3-0.

City managed a late consolation goal in stoppage time, with Nico scoring in the 90+2nd minute, but it was too little too late.

Real Madrid’s victory over Manchester City not only secured their spot in the Champions League Round of 16 but also highlighted Kylian Mbappé’s exceptional form. Mbappé’s hat-trick in this match brings his season tally to 28 goals across all competitions, solidifying his position as Real Madrid’s leading scorer. This performance underscores his pivotal role in the team’s offensive lineup.

Looking ahead, Real Madrid is set to face either Bayer Leverkusen or Atlético Madrid in the Round of 16, with the draw scheduled for February 21, 2025. Domestically, they are currently second in La Liga, trailing Barcelona by goal difference, with both teams amassing 51 points over 24 matches. Their upcoming fixtures include a league match against Girona on February 23, followed by a Copa del Rey semifinal against Real Sociedad on February 26.

For Manchester City, this defeat marks their earliest exit from the Champions League under Pep Guardiola’s tenure. The team will now refocus on domestic competitions, with a crucial Premier League match against Liverpool on February 23, followed by an away game at Tottenham Hotspur on February 26. In the FA Cup, they are slated to face Plymouth Argyle on March 1. Currently, City stands fourth in the Premier League, with 44 points from 25 matches, trailing leaders Arsenal by nine points.

Historically, the encounters between Real Madrid and Manchester City have been closely contested. Prior to this match, both teams had four wins each and five draws in their head-to-head record since their first meeting in 2012. This latest victory tilts the balance slightly in favor of Real Madrid, adding another chapter to their European rivalry.

In terms of player availability, Real Madrid managed this victory despite defensive absences, including Éder Militão and Dani Carvajal due to injuries. Manchester City, on the other hand, missed key players like Rodri and Manuel Akanji, which may have impacted their performance.

This result emphasizes Real Madrid’s continued dominance in European competitions and raises questions about Manchester City’s strategy in crucial knockout fixtures. Both teams will need to assess and adapt as they progress through their respective domestic and European campaigns.