Hat-trick Hero! Federico Valverde Shines As Real Madrid destroy Man City

Federico Valverde put in a man of the match display on Wednesday night as Real Madrid defeat Manchester City 3-0 at the Santiago Bernebeu.

Having failed to score in Champions League for nearly two years, Valverde netted a world-class 22-minute treble to all-but end Manchester City’s hopes of reaching the quarter finals.

His first strike saw him race away from Nico O’Reilly and finish coolly past Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Federico Valverde celebrates with Vinicius Junior after scoring against Manchester City. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Valverde then got on the end of a ball from Vinicius Jr to double his evening’s work. The Madrid midfielder then secured the matchball before the break as he got on the end of a lofted through ball, lifted the ball over Marc Guehi and tucked home.

The Spanish giant had the opportunity to extend their advantage even further but Donnarumma produced a crucial stop to deny Vinicius Jr from the penalty spot.

Real Madrid will now travel to the Etihad Stadium next week with a three goal advantage.

Meanwhile, Man City have a huge task ahead of them as Pep Guardiola’s team hope to pull a stunning comeback against the most successful club in Champions League history.