Match winner Fede Valverde praises Real Madrid unity after beating Man City

The Los Blancos club captain set the Santiago Bernabeu alight with a clinical first half hat-trick while operating in an attacking midfield position.

" Incredible. One always dreams of nights like this. I want to thank my teammates who give me the confidence to be in a good mental state," said the Uruguay star.

"I really enjoyed myself today. It had been quite a while since I enjoyed a match this way. I'm happy, I'm joyful, especially for the team's victory.

"Today we had many more players to control the ball in midfield, so I tried to attack much more. The players gave me incredible passes, so I thank them."

Valverde had not scored in the Champions League this season before his three goals on Wednesday evening, having primarily being used in the right back position earlier in the competition, contributing four assists.

"Here we have to treat each other as if we were brothers, defend one another, help each other, and have each other's backs," added the 27-year-old.

"I think that showed. When the team is united, fights for the same goal, and works together, it proves that we can achieve great things."

Madrid will take the three-goal advantage to the Etihad Stadium for the second leg next Wednesday.

"We know that matches in Manchester are very tough. They press a lot and have a crowd that puts pressure on you. We have to go as if the result were 0-0 and work it well," concluded Valverde. 

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