Real Madrid Boss: Mbappe Can Match Ronaldo’s Legacy

After his hat-trick in a Wednesday 3-1 triumph over Manchester City, Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti praised his attacker Kylian Mbappe, so bringing the Champions League holders into the last 16.

Ancelotti suggested Mbappe may be as good as club great Cristiano Ronaldo, who Real’s all-time leading scorer with 451 goals in 438 games for the 15-times Champions League winners.

“He has the quality to reach his numbers, but he has to work; Cristiano set the bar very high, but he is so excited to play here, he can reach Cristiano’s level,” Ancelotti said during a news conference.

“Everyone was expecting for this hat-trick from him; at last it occurred. Mbappe is not the only one, either; several of our players also change things. And their combined efforts above their individual excellence is amazing. They change things.

Ancelotti bemoaned that his side had to endure the agony of the knockout stage but claimed they were to fault for a sluggish start to the campaign that resulted in their league ranking finishing outside the top eight.

Depending on Friday’s draw, the holders—seeking a record-extending 16th title—will meet Bayer Leverkusen or local rivals Atletico Madrid.

“We had to play ten games to get to the last 16, thus it’s not positive at all having to go through the knock-out,” Ancelotti remarked.

“This is when the actual season begins, hence we are entering rather than leaving a challenging phase. There is no stopping or resting possible. Emotionally, though, sure this tie has been helpful for us. Let’s keep moving.