Real Madrid are on the verge of qualifying for the Champions League quarter-finals after thrashing Manchester City 3-0 in the first leg of their round of 16 tie at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Manchester City looked dangerous in the opening minutes, with Jérémy Doku in particular causing a real nuisance down Real Madrid’s right flank. However, Álvaro Arbeloa’s side absorbed the pressure and were rewarded for their resilience with a 20th-minute opener from the match’s star player, Fede Valverde.
Seven minutes later, Real Madrid doubled their lead when Valverde added his second goal.
Just before halftime, Valverde completed his hat-trick in spectacular fashion. Brahim Díaz chipped the ball over him into the box, and after controlling it past Marc Guehi, he volleyed it home from close range.
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The scoreline could have been even more lopsided for Real Madrid in the second half when Vinicius Junior won a penalty after being fouled by Donnarumma, but the Manchester City goalkeeper saved the Brazilian forward’s spot-kick.
With this result, Real Madrid enters the second leg with a significant advantage, making them strong favorites to reach the quarterfinals. The winner of this tie will face Bayern Munich, who practically secured their qualification after a resounding 6-1 victory over Atalanta last Tuesday.
