Valverde hits hat-trick vs City, first 3+ goals in a single game in his career

In the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16, Real Madrid hosted Manchester City. Valverde scored a hat-trick in the first half, marking the first time in his career that the Real Madrid midfielder has scored at least three goals in a single match.

In this home game against Manchester City, Valverde, starting in his first match, scored in the 20th, 27th, and 42nd minutes, helping Real Madrid take a 3-0 lead.

Statistically, this is the first time in his career that the 27-year-old Valverde has scored at least three goals in a single match. The Uruguayan midfielder had only previously scored two goals in a single game.