Federico Valverde's superb first-half hat-trick helped Real Madrid demolish Manchester City 3-0 in a surprise Champions League last 16 first leg rout on Wednesday.
Federico Valverde scored a brilliant first-half hat-trick to help Real Madrid defeat Manchester City 3–0 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 clash at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. The Uruguayan midfielder netted all three goals within 22 minutes, giving Madrid a huge advantage ahead of the second leg in Manchester.
Madrid achieved the dominant win despite missing key players such as Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, and Rodrygo Goes. Vinícius Júnior also missed a second-half penalty that could have extended the lead.
City, managed by Pep Guardiola, struggled throughout the match as Madrid defenders, including Antonio Rüdiger, kept star striker Erling Haaland quiet. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois also made key saves to secure a clean sheet, leaving City with a tough task in the return leg. ⚽