European champions Real Madrid produced a dominant performance at the Santiago Bernabéu to defeat Manchester City 3-0 in their UEFA Champions League clash, leaving the Premier League side with a daunting task ahead of the second leg.
A stunning first-half hat-trick from Federico Valverde gave the Spanish giants complete control of the tie and continued their long-standing reputation for delivering memorable European nights in Madrid.
Valverde opened the scoring early, capitalising on Madrid’s high-tempo start and catching City’s defence off guard.
The Uruguayan midfielder struck again midway through the first half with a precise finish that doubled the hosts’ advantage and left City struggling to find their rhythm in a hostile Bernabéu atmosphere.
The 25-year-old completed his hat-trick before half-time, finishing clinically to make it 3-0 and send the home crowd into celebration.
City attempted to respond after the break, but their attacks lacked cutting edge, and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was rarely troubled as Madrid maintained firm defensive control.
Despite pushing forward late in the match in search of a crucial away goal, City found it difficult to break down Madrid’s organised defence.
The Spanish side remained disciplined and resolute in the closing stages, ensuring they carried a commanding advantage into the return leg in England.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola assured fans that the team will try to secure a better result in the second leg at the Etihad.
“In football, you never know. We will try. Real Madrid had the ability and the quality. It is what it is. I felt we were better than the result. Now is the time to recover. We’ll go to West Ham, which will be tough.” He said.
The result leaves City’s hopes of progressing hanging by a thread ahead of the second leg at the Etihad Stadium.
Elsewhere in the night’s action, Paris Saint‑Germain produced a late surge to defeat Chelsea 5-2, while Bodø/Glimt secured a 3-0 win over Sporting CP.
Meanwhile, Arsenal saw their perfect record in the competition end after a 1-1 draw against Bayer Leverkusen.
