Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde produced a contender for the most outrageous skill of the night during Tuesday night’s pulsating Champions League clash against Manchester City.Madrid scored three goals at the Etihad Stadium but still head into next week’s semi-final second leg at the Bernabeu trailing on aggregate.Goals from Kevin De Bruyne, Gabriel Jesus, Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva saw Pep Guardiola’s side secure a 4-3 victory in Manchester.In truth, City could - and perhaps should - have won by a bigger margin.Some of the football they produced over the course of the 90 minutes was nothing short of exceptional.But when it comes to the Champions League, you can never rule out Real Madrid.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 26: Karim Benzema of Real Madrid celebrates with teammate Vinicius Junior after scoring their side's first goal during the UEFA Champions League Semi Final Leg One match between Manchester City and Real Madrid at Etihad Stadium on April 26, 2022 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)The Spanish giants, who are on the brink of being crowned La Liga champions for the 2021-22 season, took their chances and still have a great opportunity to book their spot in next month’s final.Vinicius Jr left Guardiola with his head in his hands after destroying his compatriot, Fernandinho, en route to scoring a special solo goal at the Etihad.
Video: Federico Valverde's skill v Oleksandr Zinchenko
But Valverde’s skill on Oleksandr Zinchenko was arguably even naughtier.
After receiving the ball on the right touchline, Valverde found himself immediately closed down by Zinchenko.
But the Uruguayan midfielder returned the ball to Dani Carvajal with an exquisite back-heeled, no-look nutmeg.
Watch it here:
And here’s another angle:
Different class!
The winners of this semi-final tie will face either Liverpool or Villarreal at the Stade de France on May 28.
City beat Madrid in seven-goal thriller (Football Terrace)
QUIZ: Try and identify all 20 of these Champions League icons