Real Madrid skipper, Federico Valverde's hat-trick stunned Manchester City in the first leg of UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Alvaro Arbeloa opens up on Valverde's hat-trick vs Manchester City
After the game, Real Madrid boss Alvaro Arbeloa, lavished praise on the club skipper by calling him the Juanito of 21st century. He said that Valverde is the player which fits well as per the standards of the Los Blancos.
“It doesn’t matter where you put him. I almost get tired of talking about him. He’s the Juanito of the 21st century. Everything a Real Madrid player should be is Valverde. He deserves a night like this,” said Alvaro Arbeloa.
How did Valverde reach the hat-trick?
The first half was needed by Valverde to complete his hattrick. In the 20th minute, Valverde made massive run to receive a 70-yard long ball assist from goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, to place it in spot.
Just seven minutes later, Valverede banked on a deflected pass from Vinicius Jr, while shooting from his "weaker" left foot, he launched a low clinical shot to double the lead.
In the 42nd minute, the Uruguayan player got a pass from Brahim Diaz, by chipping the ball over City's Marc Guehi and hammered a right-footed volley to reach his hat-trick.