He managed in 22 minutes what he has not done in his entire career in the Champions League! Fede Valverde, in the match of his life

The Uruguayan from Real Madrid scored a hat-trick and doubled his number of goals in the Champions League! Federico Valverede has also made his way into a select list of footballers who have scored a hat-trick in the first half of a Champions League knockout stage match.

Federico Valverde, total show with Manchester City: the hat-trick that propelled him directly into history

Fede Valverde scored three goals in the first half and doubled his tally in the Champions League. The Uruguayan, in 75 appearances in the Champions League, had scored only three times, according to OPTA.

Federico Valverde's name also entered a select list: only four other players have managed to score a hat-trick in a knockout stage match. Messi, Lewandowski, Haaland and Anthony Gordon have also achieved the performance that Federico Valverede ticked off this evening. It should be noted that the Uruguayan is the only midfielder on the list.

The successful hat-trick in front of the “citizens” is the first in his entire career for Real Madrid. The Uruguayan had only one more “double”, scored in the 2023 Club World Championship final against Al Hilal, score 5-3.

How Federico Valverde scored the first hat-trick for Real Madrid

Federico Valverde opened the score with a “jewel” from the pass of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. Valverde got off the mark, dribbled past Donnarumma and sent the ball into the goal.

For the second goal, Federico Valverde was found in the forward position by a filtering pass. The Real midfielder shot like a striker from the box and beat Donnarumma.

The third goal was a real gem. Valverede was found with a superb pass by Brahim Diaz. Valverde skipped the ball over Guehi, the visitors' defender, and then scored.

• Federico Valverde made the step up to Real Madrid's senior team in 2018. He has amassed 361 appearances, 35 goals and 43 assists. It is quoted by specialized websites at 120 million euros.

Valverde is epochal, he is legendary! Let's say the first two goals are on the counterattack: pass from the goalkeeper, finish. Me, but the 3rd goal, when he dribbles Marc Guehi through the air, like tennis with his foot… it was a hopeless phase!

He had pushed it to the side, he was waiting for the break, there was no more danger. But to receive the ball and dribble through the air like that, on an England player… that's to be framed as a goal

–Alin Buzărinat the GSP Live Special