Real Madrid produced a tactical masterclass to secure a 3-0 victory over Manchester City in the first leg of their Champions League Round of 16 clash at the Santiago Bernabéu. Despite missing key stars like Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, and Rodrygo, captain Federico Valverde rose to the occasion with a clinical hat-trick.

Valverde opened the scoring in the 20th minute, latching onto a long ball from goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. He doubled the lead in the 27th minute following a beautiful through ball from Vinícius Júnior and completed his hat-trick just before halftime with a powerful volley. Although Vinícius missed a penalty in the second half, the 3-0 scoreline ensures a significant advantage for the Spanish giants ahead of the return leg in Manchester. The result marks another European heartbreak for Pep Guardiola’s side against the kings of the competition.