Fede is Real Madrid! Captain Valverde's heroic hat-trick rips City into pieces

When people underestimate them, they give them motivation. When people insult them, they give them strength. All the hostility towards them becomes fuel that pushes them forward, giving everyone more reasons to hate them. They live to shut their critics up. They are Real Madrid.

Last night, the injury-hit Los Blancos seemed to have been an easy prey for soaring Manchester City, but if anyone comes to Santiago Bernabeu to conquer that fortress of the 15-time Champions League winners, they are making the biggest mistake of their lives.

Another injured player for Real

For 15 minutes, the Cityzens were dominant, and then Madrid's hero appeared. In a jersey with #8 on his back and a captain's armband that symbolizes the club's never-give-up spirit.

During this turbulent period, marked by Xabi Alonso's sacking, discussions about Alvaro Arbeloa's ability to lead Madrid's star-studded locker room, Vinicius Jr's racism scandal, and Kylian Mbappe's injuries, Los Blancos seemed to have lost their identity.

Real Madrid isn't some reality show full of spoiled stars. It's a renowned club full of warriors, willing to give sweat, blood, and tears for the emblem with a crown on top.

Stellar performance by Fede Valverde (©Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Last night, Federico Valverde was Real Madrid. The man who didn't mind playing centre-back, full-back, he would have played even as a custodian, but would never give up or let someone embarrass him or his club.

Last night, he single-handedly killed Manchester City (3-0), scoring a hat-trick in the span of 22 minutes (between the 20th and 42nd), but more importantly, he showed the whole world that Madrid mustn't be underestimated. Los Blancos' advantage could have been even bigger, but Donnarumma denied Vini's shot from the spot, becoming the only bright spot in the visitors' ranks.

And the Cityzens... They were just collateral damage, a crew in the wrong place at the wrong time, and a demonstration for all those who dare to think the king is dead. Real Madrid is alive and is going for its 16th crown.

When the match started, probably every person in the stands of Santiago Bernabeu thought the same thing: City will smash us.

The visitors set a fast rhythm, with quick transitions from defence to offence. Jeremie Doku ran riot over the left flank, deliberately targeting Trent Alexander-Arnold as the weakest link of Real Madrid's back line. The Belgian sent sharp crosses into the home team's box several times, but his teammates weren't as focused as he was.

In the meantime, Brahim Diaz had one decent attempt, which was an easy prey for Gianluigi Donnarumma. And then, Federico Valverde's showtime started.

In the span of 22 minutes - between the 20th and 42nd - the Uruguayan bagged a hat-trick, single-handedly demolishing the Cityzens!

His first goal came after Thibaut Courtois' terrific pass and Fede's great dribbling past Donnarumma. The second, following Vinicius Junior's pass and the midfielder's outstanding left-foot finish, and the third after Valverde ashamed Marc Guehi smashed the ball into City's net.

City were 3-0 down at the break, and completely demolished by a single player.

Los Blancos opened the second half with another massive chance, but Donnarumma once again stopped Diaz’s effort. Nevertheless, that wasn't the end of the visitors' struggles.

On the contrary, in the 58th minute, Vini went down in the box following Gigio's tackle, but the Italian redeemed himself stopping the Brazilian's penalty. A couple of minutes later, the keeper pulled off another point-blank save in a duel with Madrid forward, proving that he was the only player worth mentioning in Pep Guardiola's squad. At the same time, it was clear that it wasn't meant to be for Vini to become a hero. That role was reserved for Fede.

In the final half an hour, the pace of the match became much slower. The home team gave up on the possession and opted for defending the lead. Yet, the Cityzens were so shocked, that even a consolation goal was a hollow dream for them. When they managed to create a chance, like Doku did, exploiting a massive blunder of Madrid's back line, Courtois was there to say no and keep his net intact.

If Madrid demolished any other rivals, they would have already been written off. However, Guardiola and his men must always be given respect and at least slight chance to advance. It will be extremely tough for them in six days at Etihad, but if anyone can pull off a miracle, it's City.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - ROUND OF 16

Tuesday

Galatasaray - Liverpool 1-0 (1-0)

/Lemina 7/

Atalanta - Bayern Munich 1-6 (0-3)

/Pasalic 90+3 - Stanisic 12, Olise 22, 64, Gnabry 25, Jackson 52, Musiala 67/

Atletico Madrid - Tottenham 5-2 (4-1)

/Llorente 6, Griezmann 14, Alvarez 15, 55, Le Normand 22 - Porro 26, Solanke 76/

Newcastle - Barcelona 1-1 (0-0)

/Barnes 86 - Yamal 90+6 pen/

Wednesday

Leverkusen - Arsenal 1-1 (0-0)

/Andrich 46 - Havertz 89 pen/

Bodo/Glimt - Sporting Lisbon 3-0 (2-0)

/Fet 32, Blomberg 45+1, Hogh 71/

PSG - Chelsea 5-2 (2-1)

/Barcola 10, Dembele 40, Vitinha 74, Kvaratskhelia 86, 90+4 - Gusto 28, Fernandez 57/

Real Madrid - Manchester City 3-0 (3-0)

/Valverde 20, 27, 42/