Valverde's role in the first game against City had been one of manager Alvaro Arbeloa's most important decisions. The plan relied on long deliveries from goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois into the right flank where Valverde could attack the space behind City's high line. Courtois launched long, Valverde won the duel with Nico O'Reilly, drove into the area and finished. City needed to look after Vinicius, who was mostly anonymous, but instead Madrid broke the game open through Valverde on the other side. In his 10 years at Real Madrid, Valverde has made almost 300 appearances and has won 11 major trophies, including two Champions League triumphs.

Source: BBC March 17, 2026 07:34 UTC