By Victor Kanayo
Manchester City have crashed out of the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League after losing 6-3 on aggregate to Real Madrid in the knockout stage.
The outcome of the encounter means that Real Madrid have advanced to the Round of 16.
On Wednesday night, when the outcome was decided, Kylian Mbappé struck twice in the first half before completing his hat-trick on the hour at the Santiago Bernabéu, as the European champions won the return leg of the play-off tie 3-1. The first leg ended 3-2, also in favour of Los Blancos.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side will face either city rivals Atlético Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen, coached by former Real midfielder Xabi Alonso, in the last 16, for which the draw will be made on Friday.
PSG Rout
Also, Paris Saint-Germain secured their spot in the next round by thrashing French rivals Brest.
PSG demolished Brest 7-0 at the Parc des Princes, as goals from seven different players propelled the in-form French champions to a 10-0 aggregate win.
It was PSG’s record winning margin in a European game. They scored just three goals in their first five Champions League matches this season but have found the net 21 times in five outings since then.
Luis Enrique’s men now face a blockbuster clash with either Liverpool or Barcelona, while Brest’s first-ever European campaign ended in disappointment against a club they have not beaten in 40 years.
Juventus Nosedive, Dortmund Progress
PSV Eindhoven knocked out Juventus 4-3 on aggregate after extra time, overturning a first-leg deficit with a 3-1 win in the Netherlands.
Borussia Dortmund progressed after a goalless draw at home to Portugal’s Sporting Lisbon, sealing a 3-0 overall victory.