ALMATY: Kylian Mbappé scored a hat trick as Real Madrid shrugged off any travel weariness in a 5-0 win at Kairat Almaty in Kazakhstan on Tuesday.
The 15-time European champions traveled nearly 4,000 miles (6,500 kilometers) to play the game in the eastern Kazakh city, Kairat’s first home match in the competition.
The enthusiasm showed with Dastan Satpayev testing Thibault Courtois after just 13 seconds and Jorginho trying his luck a minute later.
Mbappé settled any visiting nerves by dispatching a penalty in the 25th after goalkeeper Sherkhan Kalmurza had brought down Franco Mastantuono.
Mbappé went close again before the break but ultimately the visitors appeared content to let the ball circulate without forcing the initiative too much.
The second half started in the same vein until Courtois caught the Kairat defense out with a long clearance and Mbappé lobbed the ball over Kalmurza in the 52nd for his second goal.
Kairat might have had a way back into the game when Dani Ceballos was penalized for an apparent foul on Valery Gromyko, but referee Marco Guida changed his mind after a VAR review.
Arda Güler sent Mbappé though for his third goal in the 73rd, when the France star completed his fourth hat trick in the competition. Only Robert Lewandowski (6) and Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi (8) have more.
Substitute Eduardo Camavinga scored his first-ever goal in the competition 10 minutes later, and fellow substitute Brahim Díaz completed the scoring in stoppage time.
Atalanta came from behind to beat Club Brugge 2-1 in the other early game.
Mbappé rewards Madrid’s long journey with hat trick in 5-0 win at Kairat Almaty in Champions League
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Mbappé rewards Madrid’s long journey with hat trick in 5-0 win at Kairat Almaty in Champions League
- The 15-time European champions traveled nearly 6,500 kilometers to play the game
- Arda Güler sent Mbappé though for his third goal in the 73rd
Eala electrifies packed crowd with remarkable comeback win at Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open
- Filipina star defeated Sasnovich 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 in thrilling encounter to secure quarterfinal spot
ABU DHABI: On a dramatic day at the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, Filipina star Alexandra Eala delivered the headline moment, emerging a 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 winner from a thrilling near three-hour epic against Aliaksandra Sasnovich.
The electric atmosphere at packed Stadium Court proved pivotal as Eala fought back from 4-0 down in the deciding set, with the crowd’s roaring support spurring her on through a dramatic tiebreak victory that secured her place in the quarterfinals. The Filipina star’s remarkable comeback had the stands erupting in celebration.
“The support is really great (in Abu Dhabi),” said Eala following her victory.
“I’ve been in a lot of positions before with a lot of people, but this year has really stepped up a notch. With every match I play in these environments, I’m learning to have fun and enjoy it. What’s special here is seeing the crowd get excited, and knowing there are so many Filipino expats in the region who come together for moments like this. It’s a platform for them to celebrate and share in something they’re excited about. I’m really grateful for that support.”
Earlier in the day, Ekaterina Alexandrova proved too strong for Dayana Yastremska in straight sets, while Czech qualifier Sara Belem produced a stunning upset over former finalist Jelena Ostapenko. British No. 2 Sonay Kartal also advanced, defeating lucky loser Renata Zarazua in straight sets — Zarazua stepping in after defending champion Belinda Bencic unfortunately withdrew due to illness.
On the doubles side, the quarterfinals saw Perez and Schurs defeat Alexandrova and Joint in a super tiebreak, while Khromacheva and Klepac progressed in a closely contested three-set battle. Kenin and Krawczyk advanced via walkover.
