Valverde hat-trick leads Real Madrid to 3-0 first-leg win over Man City

Federico Valverde produced a sensational Champions League display, scoring a first-half hat-trick as Real Madrid beat Manchester City 3-0 in the first leg of their last-16 tie. The Uruguay international’s three goals came in a 25‑minute burst, after he had managed just three goals across his previous 75 Champions League appearances.

A second-half penalty miss by Vinicius Jr, saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma, left a potential route back into the tie for City. The opener arrived against the run of play when Thibaut Courtois pinged the ball into Valverde’s path; Valverde strode past Nico O’Reilly, rounded Donnarumma and slotted home.

He doubled the lead after a clever pass from Vinicius found him, and he tucked the ball away with his weaker left foot. The third was the finest — three quick touches followed by a close-range volley that left Marc Guehi trailing. Early on City had been the more dangerous side, repeatedly probing Madrid’s right flank and with Antoine Semenyo a constant threat.

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