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By Our Reporter
Real Madrid took a commanding step toward the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League with a dominant 3–0 victory over Manchester City at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Uruguayan midfielder Federico Valverde produced a brilliant first-half hat-trick to give the Spanish giants full control of the last-16 first-leg clash.
Valverde opened the scoring in the 20th minute after collecting a long pass from goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and rounding City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma before finishing from a tight angle.
Seven minutes later, he doubled Madrid’s lead with a low strike across Donnarumma. The midfielder completed his hat-trick before halftime with a superb volley after a clever run and finish inside the penalty area.
Madrid could have added a fourth in the second half when Donnarumma fouled Vinícius Júnior to concede a penalty, but the Italian keeper redeemed himself by saving the Brazilian’s spot-kick.
Manchester City threatened at times but were repeatedly denied by Courtois, while striker Erling Haaland was largely kept quiet by Madrid’s defence.
Despite missing key players including Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham through injury, Madrid delivered a clinical performance that leaves Pep Guardiola’s side facing a difficult task in the second leg.
City will now need a remarkable comeback to keep their Champions League hopes alive.