The UEFA Champions League knockout playoffs delivered thrilling matches and surprising results, as Europe’s top clubs battled for spots in the Round of 16. Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé stole the show with a brilliant hat-trick to dump Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City out of the competition.
Mbappé Masterclass Sinks City
French phenom Kylian Mbappé was the star of the playoffs, scoring all three goals as Real Madrid triumphed 3-1 over Manchester City on aggregate. The 24-year-old’s stunning performance included a perfect hat-trick – scoring with his left foot, right foot, and head.
Mbappé showed again why he is the best player in the world right now. Absolutely unstoppable.
– Rio Ferdinand, BT Sport Pundit
The defeat marks the first time Pep Guardiola has been eliminated in the Round of 16 in his managerial career. City’s early exit will raise questions about their ability to finally lift the Champions League trophy.
Dutch Delight, Italian Woe
In a historic accomplishment, two Dutch clubs reached the last 16 for the first time since 2006. Feyenoord shocked AC Milan, while PSV Eindhoven upset Juventus to leave Inter Milan as the lone Serie A survivor.
- Feyenoord 3-2 AC Milan (4-3 on aggregate)
- PSV Eindhoven 2-1 Juventus (3-2 on aggregate)
The Italian giants’ failures mean Serie A will have its joint-fewest teams in the Round of 16 since the current format began in 2003-04.
Bayern, PSG Cruise Through
Elsewhere, perennial contenders Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain advanced comfortably. Canadian fullback Alphonso Davies scored a late winner as Bayern edged Celtic 1-0, while PSG demolished Brest 10-0 on aggregate, setting a new club record for margin of victory in the Champions League.
Scoring seven goals in a single Champions League match is just ridiculous. PSG are on another level this year.
– Thierry Henry, CBS Sports Analyst
Bayern extended their streak of reaching the Round of 16 to 17 consecutive seasons, second only to Real Madrid’s run of 21 straight appearances.
Mbappé’s Milestones
Kylian Mbappé’s heroics saw him achieve several impressive feats:
- Registered his 6th multi-goal game in the Champions League, the most of any player since his debut
- Tied Lionel Messi for the most goals (7) against Pep Guardiola teams
- Scored the 16th UCL hat-trick by a Real Madrid player, a competition record
- Notched his 500th career goal contribution for club and country (358 goals, 142 assists)
At just 24, Mbappé looks poised to shatter Champions League scoring records as his career progresses. His big-game brilliance makes Real Madrid an even more formidable contender for this season’s title.
The Round of 16 is now set, with the first legs taking place in late February. Based on the explosive action from the playoffs, the road to Istanbul’s final on June 10 promises to be filled with drama, upsets, and exceptional individual performances. The Champions League knockout phase is just getting started.
