Champions League: Valverde hat-trick helps Real Madrid thrash Man City 3-0

Real Madrid moved firmly in control of their Champions League last-16 tie with Manchester City after Federico Valverde scored a first-half hat-trick in a dominant 3-0 victory at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday.

Valverde tormented City’s defence despite Real missing Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, and long-term absentee Rodrygo, exploiting the visitors’ vulnerabilities at the back.

According to BBC, City began brightly and created some early chances, but Real’s opener on 20 minutes broke the deadlock. Valverde capitalised on a long pass from goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, rounded Gianluigi Donnarumma and scored from a tight angle.

Seven minutes later, the Uruguayan doubled the lead with a low finish across Donnarumma, before completing his hat-trick in fine style. Receiving a lofted through-ball, Valverde lifted the ball over Marc Guehi in a tight space and finished on the volley past Donnarumma.

City’s hopes of a comeback were further dented on the hour when Real were awarded a penalty after Donnarumma fouled Vinicius Junior, but the goalkeeper saved the resulting spot-kick. A later chance for City from Nico O’Reilly was also denied by Courtois.

The result leaves Manchester City with a significant deficit to overcome in the second leg at the Etihad Stadium next week.

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