Underrated midfielder delivers unforgettable Champions League performance
Federico Valverde produced one of the finest performances of his career as Real Madrid defeated Manchester City in the first leg of their Champions League last sixteen tie at the Santiago Bernabéu. With Kylian Mbappe missing through injury, the Uruguayan midfielder stepped forward as the unlikely hero, scoring a remarkable first half hat trick to give the Spanish giants a commanding 3 0 advantage.
Valverde is not typically known for his goal scoring ability, especially in the Champions League. Before this match the 27 year old had gone 26 games in the competition without scoring and had never scored more than once in a Champions League match. Yet in just 42 minutes he delivered the first hat trick of his professional career and one of the most memorable nights of the season.
A leader on a crucial European night
Captaining Real Madrid for the match, Valverde led by example from the opening whistle. His third goal was particularly spectacular. He lifted the ball over Manchester City defender Marc Guehi before firing a powerful volley past goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
The reaction from his teammates watching in the stands said everything. Injured stars Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe were visibly stunned by the finish, with Mbappe jumping from his seat to applaud the strike.
Real Madrid defender Trent Alexander Arnold praised his teammate after the match.
“He is undoubtedly the most underrated footballer on the planet. When you play with him you understand how much he gives to the team. He covers every blade of grass and always gives everything for the team,” he said.
Historic numbers highlight special performance
Valverde’s performance was historic in several ways. The three goals he scored in the first half matched the total he had previously scored across 75 Champions League appearances. He also became only the second player in Champions League history to score a first half hat trick against an English club. The first was Lionel Messi for Barcelona against Arsenal in 2010.
His two early goals arrived within the first 27 minutes, the fastest double by a Real Madrid player in a Champions League knockout match at the Bernabéu since Cristiano Ronaldo achieved the same feat against Wolfsburg in 2016.
Versatility and sacrifice define Valverde’s career
Although this night will be remembered for his goals, Valverde has long been valued for his versatility and work rate. Since joining Real Madrid in 2017 he has become one of the most reliable players in the squad. This season he has played in multiple roles including midfield and right back due to injuries in the squad.
Valverde has started 37 of his 39 appearances this season, regularly covering enormous distances on the pitch while contributing both defensively and offensively.
He often credits his upbringing in Montevideo for shaping his mentality. In past interviews he has spoken about the sacrifices his parents made while he was growing up and how that drives him to give everything for the team.
An essential figure for Real Madrid
Currently Real Madrid’s second captain behind Dani Carvajal, Valverde has earned enormous respect within the squad and from the coaching staff. His commitment and leadership have made him one of the most dependable players in the team.
On this occasion he also became the headline star. His first senior hat trick has placed Real Madrid firmly in control of the tie and moved them a significant step closer to the Champions League quarter finals.
