MADRID, Spain
When Manchester City fans saw the Real Madrid line-up for Wednesday's last-16 tie, they will have been delighted Kylian Mbappe's name was missing altogether.
But what they didn't anticipate was Federico Valverde having the game of his life in the first-leg tie at the Bernabeu.
When the Uruguayan scores it is often a spectacular strike, but in general Valverde is not known for his goalscoring prowess, especially when he has been utilised at right-back rather than midfield to cover injury absences.
Indeed, before City's visit the 27-year-old had not found the net in his previous 26 Champions League games and never scored more than one in a game in the competition.
But in 42 fabulous first-half minutes, he celebrated a first career hat-trick.
It was a sensational display by Valverde, who captained Real on the night and led by example in a crucial game for the 15-time European champions.
The reactions of team-mates Jude Bellingham and Mbappe - both out injured and watching from the stands - to the goals said it all.
England midfielder Bellingham stood open mouthed when Valverde scored his brilliant third, lifting the ball over City defender Marc Guehi before lashing a volley past keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. Mbappe jumped out of his seat to applaud a finish the prolific France striker would have been proud of.
"It was a similar [reaction] from me on the pitch," Real full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold said on TNT Sports.
"I've said even as a Liverpool player I have admired him. He is undoubtedly the most underrated footballer on the planet.
"When you play with him you understand how much he gives to the team. He covers every blade of grass, he gives his all. As a player, the best attribute you can have is that your team-mates can always count on you.“
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