Pep Guardiola was right to play down Manchester City’s chances – at least, that’s what it seemed like. The City had a slim chance of moving forward, but Madrid just didn’t show up to the party, and that one percent chance slipped away. The beating they took at the Bernabéu was a long time coming, and it had the same characteristic as the first leg: Madrid fell short, but not this time.
With City reduced to pieces, Madrid found themselves caught between achieving a satisfactory result and emptying the tank completely. They could have gone either way, but it was clear which path they chose. Madrid dominated City in every aspect of the game – with the ball, without it, in attack, defense, desire, speed, attitude, and success. You name it, Madrid nailed it. They didn’t even break a sweat; the toughest part was climbing the stairs to the changing room tunnel. The rest was a masterclass in superiority.
And then, of course, there’s Kylian Mbappé. The French phenom deserves his own category. He had his first truly great European night at the Bernabéu, putting on a show of skill and inspiration. He scored three goals, each one showcasing his incredible range – a sublime chip, a clever cut with a chicuelina, and a powerful shot from distance that found the corner. It was a performance Madrid has been waiting for, and it’s one that will be remembered for a long time.
It’s unfair to say Mbappé stole the show and left his teammates in the shadows, because that’s not entirely true. Asensio, for instance, was phenomenal, as he has been in recent games. He was always attentive, superior in open play and positional defense, and his precision pass for Mbappé’s first goal was a work of art.
Another standout player was Ceballos, who’s becoming increasingly confident and authoritative in the center of the field. He’s getting better with every game, and his growth is a testament to Madrid’s strength in depth.
Madrid is hitting its stride at just the right time, and last night’s performance was a testament to that. They’re becoming a well-oiled machine, and it’s going to take a lot to stop them. Last night, they were an absolute force to be reckoned with, and it’s exciting to think about what they can achieve in the coming weeks.