Football
Kylian Mbappe Hat-Trick Sends Real Madrid Into Last-16 As Manchester City Crash Out Of Champions League
Having worked in the sports journalism and sports betting writing industry for several years now, Paul has gained vital skill, knowledge and expertise in a variety of different sports and industries. Paul is confident and competent at writing in-depth stories, features and betting predictions on a regular basis for SportsCasting. Having worked in the sports media industry ever since graduating from Liverpool John Moores University in 2020, where he attained a First Class Honours Degree in Sports Journalism, Paul has jumped at the opportunity to attend numerous live sporting events on a regular basis. This includes working at some high calibre boxing, darts, UFC and football events over the years. Paul has covered a whole host of sports for BBC Sport, as well as being a consistent and regular contributor at ESBR Boxing for several years before becoming a Director in March 2024. Paul’s expertise lies in a wide range of sports, but he is particularly specialised in boxing, MMA, golf, football, darts and horse racing. He is also well-rounded in various sports which he may be less familiar with. Working in sports he is less familiar with helps him learn new skills, as well as nurturing the ability to adapt and overcome potential obstacles. Being a sports fanatic, Paul relishes the opportunity at taking on new challenges and is happy to try his hand at anything. During his time studying at university, Paul had the opportunity to gain some vital work experience at both Everton Football Club and BBC Radio 1. This has helped Paul master his knowledge of sports writing, as well as learning new skills with competence and proficiency.
Get to know Paul Kelly betterPublished19 Feb 2025
Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid remain on course for back-to-back Champions League triumphs after eliminating Manchester City in the knockout stages with comfortable 3-1 win. You can watch the Real Madrid vs Man City highlights below.
This result means Madrid progress to the Last 16 of the 2025 Champions League, meanwhile Pep Guardiola’s side are out of European.
Real Madrid Knock Manchester City Out Of The Champions League With Comfortable 3-1 Win
With a 3-2 win in the bag from the first leg, Real Madrid were favourites with the best football betting sites to knock Manchester City out of the 2025 Champions League in hopes of winning the competition for a second consecutive season.
As if Pep Guardiola‘s side didn’t already have an uphill battle, it got even more difficult as Madrid broke the deadlock in the second leg early in the first half.
It took just four minutes for Kylian Mbappe to put the Galacticos ahead, getting on the end of a sublime Raul Asencio from defence to put Madrid 4-2 up in the tie. City needed at least two goals now in Spain to force extra-time, whilst stopping the formidable Real attack from scoring again.
That was always going to be a tough ask. Things went from bad to worse for the visitors as Mbappe netted his second of the night, seemingly booking Real Madrid’s place in the Last 16 of the Champions League with his cool finish from inside the box after sitting Josko Gvardiol down.
HT: Real Madrid 2-0 Man City
Talk about an impossible task, Manchester City had to score three goals without reply just to force extra-time. Their hopes of qualification were officially over on the hour mark when the red-hot Kylian Mbappe completed his hat-trick.
The Frenchman picked up the ball on the right hand side before manoeuvring it onto his left foot as he found the bottom corner from the edge of the box to secure Madrid’s spot in the Last 16 of the 2025 Champions League.
The history making Premier League champions did find a consolation goal in the second minute of added time, as Nico made it a more respectable scoreline of 3-1, with Omar Marmoush assisting the Spaniard.
Tonight’s 3-1 victory for the Galacticos means they book their place in the Last 16 of the Champions League, still on course to claim back-to-back European Cup triumphs.
WATCH: Real Madrid 3-1 Manchester City Highlights
Next up for Manchester City is a huge Premier League clash as Pep Guardiola’s side welcome table topping Liverpool to the Etihad.
best UK betting apps to beat the current champions, despite being away from home.
It’s back to La Liga action for Real Madrid who welcome Girona to the Bernabeu on Sunday afternoon.
Be sure to claim the various football betting offers and free bet deals available on the SportsCasting site ahead of the next round of Champions League fixtures.