Real Madrid dominated Manchester City 3-0 in the first leg of their Champions League round-of-16 tie at Santiago Bernabeu. Federico Valverde delivered a stellar performance, scoring three goals in the first half to become the first Uruguayan player to achieve a hat trick in Champions League history. Valverde's first goal came from a quick counter-attack after 20 minutes, his second from a Vinícius Júnior pass seven minutes later, and his third from a Brahim Diaz chip before halftime. Despite Vinícius missing a second-half penalty, Madrid controlled the match throughout. Manchester City offered minimal resistance, leaving Pep Guardiola's side facing an uphill battle in the second leg at Manchester.
"Valverde completed a quick counter-attack and rounded goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma with a deft touch to score the opener after 20 minutes. He ran on to a pass from Vinícius Júnior and then fired home a low shot with his weaker left foot seven minutes later to make it 2-0."
"Valverde saved the best for last, taking Brahim Diaz's clever chip and then knocking it over the outstretched leg of Marc Guéhi before volleying past Donnarumma to make it 3-0 three minutes before halftime."
"There was a feeling of uncertainty among Madrid fans at the Santiago Bernabeu before Wednesday's game with City. The Spanish giants have a new and untested coach, recently lost two league games in a row, and last weekend required a last-minute deflection to beat Celta Vigo."
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