Federico Valverde’s First Career Hat-trick Puts Pressure on the Citizens at Santiago Bernabéu

After a 2–1 defeat in the Champions League group stages against Manchester City, Valverde scored his first career hat-trick on 11 March 2026 against the Citizens at the Santiago Bernabéu, securing a 3–0 win for Los Blancos.

Manchester City faced Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League tie hoping for a win, despite the absence of key players such as Kylian Mbappé, Rodrygo, and Jude Bellingham. Pep Guardiola’s tactics were undone by Los Blancos, as Valverde’s outstanding performance stunned the Citizens.

According to Galactico from Sky Sports News, Alexandra Arnold described Valverde as the most “underrated player” on the planet, calling his performance a masterclass. The display was highlighted as one of the greatest in Champions League history, particularly given the absence of key players like Mbappé and Bellingham.

Real Madrid now holds a commanding 3–0 lead following Valverde’s first-half hat-trick. The second leg is scheduled for Tuesday, 17 March 2026, at the Etihad Stadium, with Pep Guardiola’s side under significant pressure.