Kylian Mbappe matches Karim Benzema with Champions League hat-trick

Kylian Mbappe etched his name further into Real Madrid folklore after scoring a hat-trick in a commanding 5-0 victory over Kairat Almaty in the Champions League.

The French forward’s treble took his tally of Champions League hat-tricks to four, equaling the mark set by club icon Karim Benzema.

Mbappé opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the first half before adding two more well-taken goals in the second period. Eduardo Camavinga and Brahim Diaz also struck late on to seal Madrid’s perfect start to their European campaign.

His latest milestone comes with a sense of inevitability. At just 26, Mbappe already has 49 goals in the competition, a number that underlines his relentless drive on the biggest stage. “He has this ability to change games almost single-handedly. That is something special,” said a Madrid staff member after the match.

Only Robert Lewandowski, with six, and Cristiano Ronaldo, with eight, have more Champions League hat-tricks. For Madrid fans, watching Mbappé step into Benzema’s shoes is a reminder that their future remains every bit as dazzling as their past.