'It had been a while since I enjoyed myself like this'
Reading Time: 3min | Thu. 12.03.26. | 11:55
Real's hero admitted this was his career game in Madrid's shirt
Wednesday will be remembered for a long time by Real fans. It’s not like they defeated Manchester City for the first time, or like they defeated somebody 3-0 at home in the Champions League. But last night was special. Due to vary form and a lot of injuries, Real Madrid was not a clear favorite against the Citizens. On the contrary. But their captain stepped up when needed and played the game of his life. Federico Valverde didn’t enjoy his life much under Xabi Alonso, as he had to play the right back due to a number of injuries. But he put his head down and did the job. With the arrival of Alvaro Arbeola, the Uruguayan got his place in midfield and shone like a star.
Not only did Valverde scored his first hat-trick in career, but he also joined the an exclusive club: only Rial, Puskas, and Mbappe had achieved this feat for Madrid in a Champions League first half. And only one other Real Madrid midfielder had scored three goals in the European Cup: Pirri, against AEL Limassol in 1968! The Real captain admitted after the game that this was his best career match.
“Incredible, you dream of nights like this. I want to thank my teammates for the confidence they give me to stay positive, and also the coaching staff and the fans, who are always supporting us. It's a tough season and they always support us. We appreciate it. I really enjoyed myself today. It had been a while since I enjoyed myself like this. Happy, joyful, for the team's victory” said the Uruguayan.
🚨 Thierry Henry: “Fede Valverde ALWAYS shines. Only thing is that people DON’T see that type of shine.
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) March 11, 2026
People don’t see the players who run. I can assure you, when you’re Trent and someone is defending with you, it’s easier to defend.
Not only did he score goals, he always… pic.twitter.com/2JsUDoExvo
Unlike with Xabi Alonso, where he started numerous games as a right back, against City he played almost like a striker.
“That’s what I try to do, that’s what the coach asks of me, to arrive from the second line, to attack. Today we had many more players to control the ball and I tried to attack more. My teammates gave me incredible passes, I thank them. We had practiced it quite a bit, especially goal kicks, they press one on one and there was space behind to run, we are fast and it worked well” he explained.
🚨✨ Federico Valverde Half-Time Stats vs Manchester City:
— Duba Central FC (@DubaCentralFC) March 11, 2026
⚽ 3 Goals
🎯 3 Shots
🎯 100% Shot Accuracy
📤 83% Pass Accuracy
✋ 43 Touches
🏃 6 Carries
🛡️ 7 Defensive Contributions
🤼 7/9 Ground Duels Won
⚡ 100% Aerial Duels Won pic.twitter.com/O5DVgzXRsV
Coach Arbeloa was, naturally, quite happy with Valverde.
“They are players with exceptional quality, but they are even better when they share the same idea and execute it like they did today. I'm very happy for Valverde. I'm a real nag about him; I don't know if he's going to end up hating me with all the nagging I give him. He's the Juanito of the 21st century; he perfectly embodies what Real Madrid is all about. The night he had tonight fills me with pride. It's a reward for so much sacrifice. He truly deserves it, for leading the way he's leading, and I'm very happy for him” he said.
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/