Stunning Match-up: Watch Federico Valverde Demonstrate His Soccer Skills vs Manchester City!

In the buildup to the Real Madrid vs. Manchester City game, there was a minority that thought Alvaro Arbeloa’s side would gain an edge over Pep Guardiola’s team in the first leg of the round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League. In fact, the majority had the right to believe that the current Real Madrid side is not capable of matching the elite teams in Europe.

The atmosphere surrounding the team — injuries that never stop, and some players underperforming — were all factors that contributed to forming such a belief. On one hand, the majority were allowed to think as they did because of the facts they had in front of their eyes. On the other hand, Real Madrid met the expectations of the minority who were positive.

In the buildup to the clash, Vinicius Junior appeared to be Los Blancos ’ savior and the most reliable cog to pull off something against the Citizens. As a reaction, Pep Guardiola proceeded by introducing Abdukodir Khusanov at the right-back spot to match Vinicius Junior in pace and power and limit the Brazilian’s effect. However, Alvaro Arbeloa came up with other alternatives.

Federico Valverde was the secret, and the main champion against Manchester City. The Uruguayan acted as an extra defender, a target for long balls, and a forward attacking space. Defensively, Federico Valverde was tasked with plugging the gap between Antonio Rudiger and Alexander-Arnold and keeping close tabs on Nico O’Reilly down the left half-space: Or, he swapped positions with Thiago Pitarch to join Arnold and double up on Jeremy Doku and restrict his ability: At the start of the game, the Belgian winger was running riot down the left side.