Real Madrid: Valverde's hat-trick stuns Jude Bellingham

Europe 12 March 2026 at 08:56

Joshua SOSSOU

News Editor

Federico Valverde had a magical night yesterday against Manchester City (3-0). Jude Bellingham was left stunned.

On Wednesday evening, Federico Valverde delivered a remarkable hat-trick in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16. The midfielder completely turned the game on its head—and did so in just 22 minutes. A performance that was celebrated and applauded by the entire Santiago Bernabeu crowd.

In the stands, Kylian Mbappé had made an appearance to witness this clash. Right beside him were David Alaba and Jude Bellingham. Cameras caught the Englishman absolutely speechless at what he had just witnessed: his South American teammate’s sensational third goal right before halftime.

A ball into the box was lofted toward Valverde at chest height by Brahim Diaz. Center-back Marc Guehi looked set to intercept, but the hat-trick hero lobbed him and unleashed a stunning strike into the Manchester City net (42nd minute). A thunderbolt—blistering and dazzling!