Manchester City's Champions League hopes hang in the balance after a heavy 3-0 defeat to Real Madrid in the first leg of their Round of 16 tie at the Santiago Bernabeu on March 11. Federico Valverde stole the show with a stunning first-half hat-trick, opening the scoring in the 20th minute by rounding City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma after a long ball from Thibaut Courtois.
The Real Madrid star added two more clinical finishes to put the Spanish giants in firm control. Despite the deficit, Donnarumma remained upbeat post-match and has sent a warning to the visitors for the return leg in Eitihad.
Man City goalkeeper Donnarumma warns Real Madrid ahead of UCL return leg at Etihad
Speaking to TNT Sports pundit and former City goalkeeper Joe Hart pitchside, the Sky Blues goalkeeper delivered a passionate message. He said:
"It's NOT over. Let's go."
The Italian star, who endured a mixed night including the error leading to Valverde's opener but later saved a second-half penalty from Vinicius Junior to prevent further damage, refused to concede defeat. Hart revealed the exchange gave him "chills," praising Donnarumma's fighting spirit.
City manager Pep Guardiola echoed a sense of resilience afterward, telling TNT Sports he felt his side performed better than the scoreline suggested and hinting at belief in a turnaround at the Etihad Stadium next week, where Manchester City must overcome a three-goal deficit to force extra time or advance.
The result contributes to a challenging evening for Premier League clubs in the Champions League Round of 16 first legs, with several English sides struggling and dropping points.
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