Valverde hat-trick puts Madrid in command against Man City

Federico Valverde struck the first hat-trick of his career as Real Madrid swept aside Manchester City 3-0 in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Wednesday, leaving the English side with a daunting task ahead.

Pep Guardiola’s City team began brightly at the Santiago Bernabeu, but were caught out by Madrid’s pace on the break.

Thibaut Courtois released Valverde down the right, who rounded Gianluigi Donnarumma to open the scoring in the 20th minute and seven minutes later Vinicius Jr fed Valverde, who beat the offside trap and drilled home.

Madrid struck again in the 42nd minute after another rapid counter.

Brahim Diaz clipped a pass into Valverde’s path, the Uruguayan completing his treble with a fine volley after flicking the ball over a helpless Marc Guehi.

City pressed after halftime but it was the hosts who wasted a great chance to deal another blow, when Donnarumma denied Vinicius from the penalty spot after the goalkeeper brought down the Brazilian inside the box. “Incredible, one dreams of nights like this,” Valverde told Movistar Plus.

“I really enjoyed myself today; it had been quite some time since I had enjoyed a match this much. I am pleased, I am happy, but above all, I am delighted with the team’s victory.”

Guardiola arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu intent on exploiting Real’s defensive frailties, particularly out wide, and set up with pace in attack through Antoine Semenyo, Savinho and Jeremy Doku.

For a spell, it worked. Doku tormented Trent Alexander-Arnold in the early exchanges, repeatedly catching the defender out of position and helping City pin Real back.

The visitors prowled around Courtois’ area and looked increasingly confident as they pushed for an opener.

Yet with their attacking ambition came risk, and Real needed little invitation to counter.