Real Madrid has taken a huge step towards qualifying for the quarterfinals of the Champions League, after convincingly defeating Manchester City 3-0, in a match where the absolute protagonist was Federico Valverde with three goals.
The match started at a good pace from both teams. The first good chance came in the 8th minute for the Madrid team, when Brahim Diaz tried from inside the area, but his shot was stopped by goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
In the 19th minute, Man City responded with a powerful shot from distance by Bernardo Silva, but the ball went too close to the post.
Just a minute later the first goal came. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois started a quick move with a long pass to Valverde, who found himself in front of the goalkeeper and calmly sent the ball into the net for 1-0.
Real Madrid continued to dominate and in the 27th minute Valverde scored his second goal. The Uruguayan midfielder received a pass inside the area and fired a low shot into the right corner of the goal.
Shortly before the end of the first half, in the 42nd minute, Valverde completed his hat-trick. After an assist from Brahim Diaz, he scored from close range to send Real Madrid into the break with a commanding 3-0 lead.
In the second half, Manchester City tried to get back into the game. In the 55th minute, Antoine Semenyo posed a serious threat, but Courtois reacted brilliantly.
A few minutes later, in the 56th minute, the referee awarded a penalty to Real Madrid after an intervention by Donnarumma, who was also punished with a yellow card.
However, the Italian goalkeeper was immediately rehabilitated by saving Vinicius Junior's penalty in the 58th minute.
Man City had another good chance in the 75th minute with Nico O'Reilly, but Courtois was again on hand to keep the goal intact.
In the end, the Madrid team maintained their lead and secured a big victory that brings them closer to qualifying for the next stage. /Telegraph/
