Real Madrid Outclass Manchester City In UEFA Champions League Clash

Real Madrid have made a good head start to the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 by beating Manchester City 3-0 in the first-leg tie at Bernabeu Stadium. 

Federico Valverde singlehandedly dealt with Manchester City, scoring a hat-trick to lead the Spaniards through. The Premier League side was outperformed in both halves of the match. Pep Guardiola faces the task of undoing a similar fate to the last edition, when Real Madrid eliminated the side from the competition in the Round of 16.  

The hosts secured the victory in the first half, scoring all three goals. Thibaut Courtois' lob set Valverde off for the opening goal. The attacker controlled the aerial ball and bolted into the box, rounding Donnarumma before slotting the ball into the net. 

The second goal followed soon after as Vinicius Jr. broke through the centre field and released a pass to Valverde, who struck the ball into the left corner of the post. As the half advanced to a close, Real Madrid seized an impressive set piece to wrap the game up.  

While inside a crowded Manchester City box, Brahim Diaz tipped a lob-pass to Valverde, who in turn, lob the ball over on-rushing Marc Guehi before collecting the ball into the top of the net in the 42nd minute. Real Madrid sealed the lead with the third goal within a 22-minute showdown. 

Real Madrid held off a potential comeback from Manchester City in the second half, securing their third consecutive UEFA Champions League game victory against Manchester City, who will host them in the second-leg clash at Etihad Stadium.  

Overview

It was nothing less than an incredible game for Real Madrid. They were able to dole off earlier scares from Manchester City, particularly from Bernardo Silva, whose effort narrowly missed the goal. Erling Haaland was also contained, and Nico O'Reilly was taking advantage of in the lead-up to Valverde's opener. 

Real Madrid, for the most part of the eventful first half, overrode Manchester City in the midfield. They had the pace, and the aerial ball delivery was spot on. It was a masterclass half, and Valverde did a great job at that.