I was VERY fortunate to be able to attend the RO16 clash between Real Madrid and Manchester City. This was the 5th consecutive clash between the two sides in the UCL knockouts. Real Madrid were without key players like Mbappé, Bellingham, Rodrygo (who recently had surgery) and Militão. Meanwhile, Marc Guehi made his Champions League debut at the Bernabeu. Ahead of this game I was extremely confident that Manchester City would walk Real Madrid down, however, the atmosphere surrounding the Bernabeu in the Champions League is different.
The atmosphere was absolutely electric from the home fans. Every single 50-50 challenge was met by a roar from the fans. Every time the ball was recycled from a tough spot was applauded. The story of the first half was a story of one man, the captain Federico Valverde who scored a hat trick in the first half. All the goals were expertly taken. The first goal was a long ball over the top where Valverde traps it under his control. He rounds Donnarumma and places it into an empty net. Courtois bagged his second career assist from that goal. A few minutes after, Valverde would return on the score sheet. Vinicius drove down the left wing. The his cross was deflected into the path of Valverde who expertly placed it into the far right corner on the bounce. Then the hat trick sealing goal came which was the best of the bunch. Another Real Madrid break down the left worked its way to the right. Brahim chips it over the City back line. Valverde dinked it over Guehi and then blasted it past Donnarumma. The atmosphere was by far the best I have experienced this season.
The second half was a more cagey affair. Manchester City dominated possession however, this was empty possession. The passing back and forth was slow and without purpose. A few chances in the game fell to Semenyo and O’Reilly but they were met by the Belgian wall. The game plan from Real Madrid was so clear to see in this half. Allow Manchester City to dominate possession and then in transition hit the City defence with blistering pace. This effort paid off when Vinicius Jr. broke on the counter again and won a penalty. Donnarumma saved the penalty from the Brazilian but this was the only moment where the City faithful could cheer.
This was an unexpected result from my perspective. Real Madrid showed their dominance in the Champions League once again. However, the tie is not over and Los Blancos still have to return to the Etihad which will be an extremely interesting match. My Player of the Match has to go to Valverde. A game where Real Madrid looked like the underdog, he provided a true captain performance and on top of that he scored a first half hat trick. Absolutely, incredible.
