News
VALVERDE HAT-TRICK SINKS CITY AS GUARDIOLA STAYS DEFIANT.
Real Madrid seized control of their Champions League round of 16 tie with a 3-0
first-leg victory over Manchester City, powered by a Federico Valverde hat-trick.
The Uruguay midfielder struck three times in the first half, matching the total he had
scored in his previous 75 Champions League appearances.
City were spared further damage when Gianluigi Donnarumma saved a penalty with
just over 30 minutes left.
Despite the defeat, Pep Guardiola remained defiant about his side’s chances in the
return leg.
“Everything is more difficult now in our mindset, but we’ll be there,” Guardiola said,
adding City must be “more active in the final third.” He also insisted, “I didn’t feel
powerless.”
Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa praised Valverde’s influence after the dominant display.
“I’ve been nagging him about how important he is to the team,” Arbeloa said.
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