Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has set a challenge for Kylian Mbappe, stating that the French superstar has the potential to reach Cristiano Ronaldo’s legendary status at the club. This comes after Mbappe’s stunning hat-trick in Real Madrid’s 3-1 victory over Manchester City, which helped Los Blancos advance to the Champions League last 16 with a 6-3 aggregate win.
Mbappe’s Hat-Trick Sparks Comparisons to Ronaldo
Mbappe’s three-goal performance against Manchester City took his tally to 28 goals in 38 matches across all competitions in his debut season at Real Madrid. While that is an impressive record, Cristiano Ronaldo remains Madrid’s all-time leading goalscorer, netting 451 goals in 438 appearances during his time at the club.
Kylian Mbappé vs Manchester City
UCL ha-trick pic.twitter.com/mwVLAzwoX8
— KM (@Kylian) February 19, 2025
Ancelotti believes that Mbappe has the quality to reach similar numbers, but he acknowledges that it will take hard work and dedication to match the Portuguese icon’s legacy.
“He has the quality to reach his numbers, but he has to work, because Cristiano set the bar very high,” Ancelotti said in a press conference.
“But he is so excited to play here, he can reach Cristiano’s level. Everyone was waiting for this hat-trick from him, and it has finally arrived.”
Mbappe Focused on Winning Titles Over Individual Records
Despite the praise and comparisons to Cristiano Ronaldo, Mbappe remains focused on team success rather than personal achievements. The 25-year-old forward, who scored 256 goals in 308 appearances for Paris Saint-Germain, insists that trophies matter more than goal records.
“I was the Champions League’s top scorer last year, but did I win it? No,” Mbappe told reporters after the win against Manchester City.
“I don’t care about being the leading scorer. In my career, I have scored many goals. If with these goals we win titles, I will sign with my blood. If I can score 50, all the better, but all I want is to win titles.”
Real Madrid’s Path in the Champions League
Real Madrid’s dominant victory over Manchester City ensured their passage to the Champions League round of 16, but Ancelotti expressed his frustration at having to play an extra round due to Madrid’s third-place finish in the league stage.
“It’s not positive at all having to go through the knock-out because we had to play 10 games to get to the last 16,” Ancelotti explained.
“We’re not coming out of a difficult period; we’re entering one because this is when the real season starts. There is no way to stop, to rest. But on an emotional level, sure, this tie has been good for us. Let’s keep rolling.”
With Madrid now through to the next phase, they will face either Bayer Leverkusen or Atletico Madrid, depending on Friday’s draw.
Mbappe Prefers Atletico Madrid Over Leverkusen
Looking ahead, Mbappe admitted he would prefer to play Atletico Madrid rather than travel to Germany to face Bayer Leverkusen.
“For me, it is better to play against Atletico because we don’t have to travel because we travel a lot,” Mbappe said.
“They would be two very difficult games, but one without traveling.”
Real Madrid’s Champions League journey is far from over, and Mbappe’s role will be crucial in determining how far Los Blancos can go this season. While the comparisons to Ronaldo will continue, the French forward remains fully focused on winning silverware for Madrid.
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