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Kylian Mbappe felt exactly how every Madridista felt when Real Madrid beat Manchester City 3-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League. In a stunning display of team depth and individual brilliance, Federico Valverde delivered a historic first-half hat-trick that powered Los Blacos to a commanding victory over the Sky Blues at home.
Watch: Kylian Mbappe's energetic reaction to Real Madrid teammate Fede Valverde's hat-trick vs Man City
With key stars like Mbappé sidelined due to a minor knee injury, many expected Pep Guardiola’s side to capitalize, but Valverde's clinical finishes in the 20th, 27th, and 42nd minutes turned the tie on its head and left Guardiola's side shell-shocked. The Uruguayan midfielder's treble marked his first-ever in the competition and underscored Real Madrid's relentless attacking threat even without their superstar forward.
While the goals themselves dominated headlines, it was Mbappé's electrifying reaction from the stands that captured global attention and quickly went viral across social media. Absent from the pitch but present in the stadium as a passionate supporter, the French forward was caught on camera leaping to his feet, shouting in disbelief and pure joy, pumping his fists, and embracing the Madridista spirit after each of Valverde's strikes, especially the completion of the hat-trick.
Meanwhile, Alvaro Arveloa’s side is set to face the team again for the second leg this month on Tuesday, March 17, but the World Cup winner might or might not return for the second leg. The Real Madrid forward continues to deal with a persistent left knee sprain that he first suffered in December.
ALSO READ: Is Ferland Mendy's injury serious? Concern for Real Madrid ahead of second leg vs Man City
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