Real Madrid defeated Manchester City 3-0 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League round-of-16 tie at the Santiago Bernabeu. Federico Valverde, the Real Madrid midfielder, scored all three goals in the first half for his first career hat-trick.
Federico Valverde opened the scoring in the 20th minute. He rounded Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma after a quick counter-attack and finished with a deft touch.
Additionally, Valverde doubled the advantage in the 27th minute. He ran onto a pass from Vinicius Junior and fired a low left-footed shot past Donnarumma.
Later, in the 42nd minute, Federico Valverde completed his hat-trick. He controlled a clever chip from Brahim Diaz, flicked the ball past Marc Guehi and volleyed it into the bottom corner.
The first half ended 3-0. Manchester City started brightly with early chances from Antoine Semenyo and Jeremy Doku but collapsed against Madrid’s clinical attack.
After the interval, Vinicius Junior won a penalty when fouled by Donnarumma. However, the City goalkeeper saved the spot kick.
Manchester City pushed forward with substitutions but created no clear chances. Thibaut Courtois, the Real Madrid goalkeeper, kept a clean sheet with key saves.
After the match, Federico Valverde, the Real Madrid midfielder, said: “Yes, for sure. Above all in goals. I really enjoy scoring goals. It’s a long time since I’ve had a game like this. So I’m really happy, but above all for the result for the team. It’s an incredible feeling. You dream about nights like this. My teammates gave me incredible passes today. When we stick together we can do great things.”
