Real Madrid's performance in La Liga has been inconsistent, with two losses in their last five matches, leaving them four points behind Barca. Yet, upon returning to their familiar Champions League stage, "The King" Real, Europe's most decorated club, displayed an incredibly inspired performance.

At the Bernabeu on the evening of 11/3, Real controlled just 40% of possession but still generated immense pressure. Alvaro Arbeloa's squad took 12 shots, with 7 on target, achieving an expected goals (xG) index of 2,59. In contrast, Man City managed seven shots but created no clear opportunities, registering an xG of 0,56 – a figure reflecting the English team's rare subdued performance.

Federico Valverde dribbles past Gianluigi Donnarumma and shoots into an open net to score the opening goal in Real's 3-0 victory over Man City in the Champions League round of 16 first leg at the Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain, on 11/3/2026. Photo: PA

The match's brightest star was Federico Valverde. In the 20th minute, after receiving the ball in the penalty area, Thibaut Courtois launched a long pass, allowing Valverde to break free on the right. The Uruguayan midfielder skillfully moved past Nico O'Reilly before rounding Gianluigi Donnarumma and slotting the ball into an open net, igniting the Bernabeu crowd.

Earlier, Courtois also assisted Kylian Mbappe in Real's 5-0 group stage win against Kairat. This made Courtois the second goalkeeper to record more than one assist in a Champions League season, following Jose Francisco Molina for Deportivo La Coruna in the 2003-2004 season.

Real maintained their pressure, doubling their lead just seven minutes later. Central defender Ruben Dias attempted to intercept Vinicius's pass but inadvertently redirected the ball to Valverde, who was surging forward. The 27-year-old controlled the ball cleanly before firing a left-footed shot diagonally into the net, beyond Donnarumma's reach, making it 2-0 and marking his first brace in the Champions League.

Federico Valverde shines with a hat-trick in the first half. Photo: PA

Valverde's brilliance continued. In the 42nd minute, from a Brahim Diaz flick, the Uruguayan midfielder burst into the box, nonchalantly chipped the ball over Marc Guehi, and then volleyed diagonally into the visitors' net. This perfect hat-trick gave Real a 3-0 lead before halftime, sending the Bernabeu into euphoria.

This marks the fourth time Real has scored three goals in the first 45 minutes of a Champions League knockout match, and the first time since their semifinal clash against Bayern Munich in 4/2014.

In 2/2025, Kyllian Mbappe became the first player to score a hat-trick against a Pep Guardiola-managed team in the Champions League knockout stages, during Real's 3-1 victory over Man City in the playoff second leg. At the Bernabeu yesterday, Valverde became the second player to achieve this feat.

The Real star also made history as the second player to score a first-half hat-trick against an English club in the Champions League, after Lionel Messi against Arsenal in 4/2010. His three goals against Man City equal his total goal tally from his previous 75 appearances in the competition.

Vinicius earned a penalty but failed to convert it. Photo: Reuters

Real could have secured an even larger victory had they been more clinical with their chances. The most notable opportunity arose in the 56th minute when Vinicius sprinted from midfield into the penalty area, was fouled by Donnarumma, and earned a penalty. However, from the spot, the Brazilian forward hesitated in his run-up and struck the ball softly towards the right corner, allowing the Man City goalkeeper to make the save.

Nevertheless, the 3-0 victory provides Real with a significant advantage heading into the return leg in Manchester on 17/3. The winner of this tie will face either Bayern Munich or Atalanta in the Champions League quarterfinals.

Hong Duy