The dilemma for Real Madrid was whether to buy time, hoping that Mbappé and any other available players would join them for the return leg, or to make the most of what they had, which wasn't much. Those who remained, following Valverde's lead—he scored a hat-trick—opted for a heroic defense of the badge and the anthem, of the true, generous, and passionate team, all nerve and heart, to write a feat that could perhaps be historic without needing to come from behind. It seemed impossible to find such magic in a first-leg match.

It was a particularly emotional night, in which those who remained of Real Madrid spared no effort, displaying the bravery that the stadium admires, and built a commendable victory from adversity, solidarity, intelligence, and beautiful football. It happened against a Manchester City side that they left in the dust, especially in defense. It was a glorious night for Valverde, but also for Thiago, Tchouameni, the center-backs, the entire team—everything a coach dreams of. Arbeloa, more than anyone.

Even though they were missing important players like Mbappe, Bellingham, Rodrygo and Carreras, while they also lost left back, Mendy who was injured in the 46th minute (his place was taken by Fran Garcia). Even though they have had a relatively bad season so far. Real Madrid is not affected or understood by this. In Europe, they are the team with capital letters. Thus they defeated the ambitious and complete Manchester City 3-0, having in amazing competitive condition their captain, Federico Valverde, who scored all three goals, showing that within the “Santiago Bernabeu” one team is the absolute boss. And that team is called REAL. !

The Uruguayan midfielder opened the scoring with the completion of 20 minutes. In the 27th minute, Valverde struck again. He doubled his team's goals with a diagonal shot, while in the 40th minute he put the icing on the cake, performing a magical dribble on the English international stopper, Guehi and finishing it perfectly and making it 3-0 before the half-time break.

The "Queen" had the opportunity to increase its difference even more, but in the 57th minute the penalty won by the brilliant winger, Vinicius saw Donnarumma block the penalty that he himself had won from the Italian goalkeeper. The Cityzens then had some remarkable moments but did not score a goal, with the 3-0 not changing and Pep Guardiola's team looking for a reversal... megatons next week.