Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti praised his French striker Kylian Mbappe after his stunning hat-trick led the team to a 3-1 victory over Manchester City on Wednesday, securing a place in the Champions League last 16.

Ancelotti highlighted Mbappe’s potential to match the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo, Real’s all-time top 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, because Cristiano set the bar very high, but he is so excited to play here, he can reach Cristiano’s level,” Ancelotti told a press conference.

“Everyone was waiting for this hat-trick from him and it has finally arrived. But Mbappe 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.”

Despite the victory, the La Liga team’s manager expressed disappointment over the team’s need to navigate the knockout rounds, attributing their struggles to a slow start in the league that left them outside the top eight.

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

“It’s not positive at all having to go through the knock-out because we had to play 10 games to get to the last 16,” Ancelotti said.

“We’re not coming out of a difficult period, we’re entering one because this is when the real season starts. There is no way to stop, to rest. But on an emotional level, sure, this tie has been good for us. Let’s keep rolling.”