Kylian Mbappe struck a hat-trick to inspire Real Madrid’s emphatic 6-0 victory over Kairat Almaty in Kazakhstan, reaching 60 Champions League goals and securing a much-needed European boost.
The France captain opened the scoring early when he converted from the penalty spot after Kairat goalkeeper Sherkhan Kalmurza brought down Franco Mastantuono with a reckless challenge. Calm and composed, Mbappe slotted the ball into the bottom corner to set the tone.
Real Madrid controlled possession throughout, and Mbappe doubled his tally in the 52nd minute. Racing onto a precise long ball from Thibaut Courtois, he dinked the ball past the onrushing Kalmurza to make it 2-0.
Kairat thought they had a lifeline in the 67th minute when Valeri Gromyko was fouled by Dani Ceballos and a penalty was awarded. However, VAR overturned the decision, sparing Madrid’s defence from any blemish on the night.
Mbappe missed an excellent chance to complete his treble when he dragged a shot wide with the goal gaping, but he eventually sealed his hat-trick from close range in the 74th minute. His third goal marked his 60th in Champions League history, allowing him to leapfrog Thomas Muller into sixth place on the all-time scorers’ list.
Madrid’s dominance only deepened in the final stages as substitutes Eduardo Camavinga and Brahim Diaz added gloss to the scoreline. Camavinga rose highest to head home from close range, before Diaz slotted in from Gonzalo Garcia’s assist.
The victory was particularly important for Xabi Alonso’s side, who were humbled 5-2 by city rivals Atletico Madrid in La Liga just days earlier. With their European credentials reaffirmed, Madrid reasserted themselves as one of the tournament’s frontrunners.
For Mbappe, the night was another reminder of his consistency on the biggest stage. Still only 26, he continues to chase the competition’s greatest scorers, edging ever closer to the top five. His latest display demonstrated not only his clinical finishing but also his ability to inspire a response after domestic setbacks.
As for Kairat Almaty, the defeat was their heaviest ever in European competition. Despite spirited moments, they were outclassed in every department by Madrid’s star-studded attack.
The result leaves Madrid well-placed in their group and gives Alonso encouragement as he seeks to balance La Liga ambitions with European glory. For Mbappe, another hat-trick only adds to his reputation as one of the Champions League’s defining players.