, March 12 -- Federico Valverde scored a first-half hat-trick to guide Real Madrid to a commanding 3-0 victory over Manchester City in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League last-16 tie at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.

The Uruguayan midfielder opened the scoring in the 22nd minute after controlling a long pass from goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. Valverde moved past Nico O'Reilly before beating goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma with a clinical finish.

He doubled Real Madrid's lead just five minutes later when a deflected pass fell to him inside the City penalty area. Valverde took a touch before firing a left-footed shot across Donnarumma.

Valverde completed his hat-trick in the 42nd minute, latching onto a pass from Brahim Diaz. He ...