Midfielder Federico Valverde struck a first half hat-trick as Real Madrid beat Manchester City 3-0, in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League last-16 tie, at the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid, Spain.
Pep Guardiola’s City team began brightly at the Santiago Bernabeu, but were caught out by Madrid’s pace on the break.
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois released Valverde down the right, who rounded Gianluigi Donnarumma to open the scoring in the 20th minute.
Seven minutes later, Vinicius Jr fed Valverde, who beat the offside trap and drilled home his second.
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Madrid struck again in the 42nd minute after another rapid counter. Brahim Diaz clipped a pass into Valverde’s path, the Uruguayan completing his treble with a fine volley after flicking the ball over a helpless Marc Guehi.
City pressed after halftime but it was the hosts who wasted a great chance to deal another blow, when Donnarumma denied Vinicius from the penalty spot after the goalkeeper brought down the Brazilian inside the box.
It was a rare let-off for City on a night when their adventurous approach was ruthlessly punished, with the Spanish side now travelling to England for the second leg next Tuesday with a commanding cushion.
“Incredible, one dreams of nights like this,” Valverde said in an interview. “I really enjoyed myself today.”
“It had been quite some time since I had enjoyed a match this much. I am pleased, I am happy, but above all, I am delighted with the team’s victory.”
Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League results
Bayer Leverkusen 1-1 Arsenal
Bodo/Glimt 3-0 Sporting Lisbon
PSG 5-2 Chelsea
Real Madrid 3-0 Manchester City.
