Kylian Mbappe tipped to reach Cristiano Ronaldo’s level at Real Madrid

France international Kylian Mbappe has been tipped to reach the same level as club great Cristiano Ronaldo after he scored a hat-trick in a 3-1 win over Manchester City on Wednesday.

Mbappe was in top form against Pep Guardiola’s team as his hat trick took the Champions League holders into the round of 16. Ronaldo is Madrid’s all-time leading scorer with 451 goals in 438 games for the 15-times Champions League winners.

Speaking after the game, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti said Mbappe has the potential to reach the same level as club great Cristiano Ronaldo.

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

“Everyone was waiting for this hat trick from him and it has finally arrived. But Mbappé is not the only one, we have many players who make a difference. And they make a difference with their collective work above their individual quality which is remarkable.”

Kylian Mbappe celebrates 3-0 during the UEFA Champions League match between Real Madrid v Manchester City  (Photo by M Gracia Jimenez/Soccrates/Getty Images)

Mbappé, who scored 256 goals in 308 appearances over six years at Paris Saint-Germain, said he did not care about being the top scorer if it did not lead to silverware.

“I was the Champions League’s top scorer last year, but did I win it? No,” Mbappe told reporters.

“I don’t care about being the leading scorer, in my career, I have scored many goals. If with these goals we win titles I will sign with my blood. If I can score 50, all the better, but all I want is to win titles,” he added.

Real Madrid will face Bayer Leverkusen or city rivals Atlético Madrid, depending on Friday’s draw, as they seek a record-extending 16th title.

Despite the threat posses by both teams, Mbappe said he would prefer to play local rivals Atlético in the next round rather than the German champion.

“For me it is better to play against Atlético because we don’t have to travel, because we travel a lot. They would be two very difficult games but one without traveling.”