Real Madrid produced a dominant display to defeat Manchester City 3-0 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 encounter at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.
Midfielder Federico Valverde was the hero of the night as he netted a superb hat-trick to hand the Spanish giants a commanding advantage ahead of the return leg.
Valverde opened the scoring in the 20th minute before doubling Madrid’s lead in the 27th minute with a well-taken finish.
The Uruguayan completed his hat-trick just before halftime in the 42nd minute, capping an impressive first-half performance from the hosts.
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Real Madrid could have extended the scoreline in the second half after being awarded a penalty in the 58th minute, but Vinícius Júnior failed to convert from the spot as the match ended 3-0.
The victory was even more remarkable as Madrid played without several key players due to injury, including Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, Éder Militão, David Alaba, Rodrygo, Dani Ceballos and Álvaro Carreras.
Despite the heavy defeat, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola will be hoping his side can stage a comeback in the second leg at the Etihad Stadium.
The result leaves Real Madrid firmly in control of the tie as both sides prepare for the decisive return leg in Manchester.