BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — After Federico Valverde single-handedly got Real Madrid back into Champions League winning mode. Hat-trick against Manchester Citythe 15-time European Cup winner will have to return to La Liga for a short time this weekend.
Valverde’s memorable three-goal outburst in the first half on Wednesday was 3-0 win over City And manager Josep Guardiola is Madrid’s nemesis, having led Barcelona’s best team for many years.
Valverde’s treble came after a last-gasp goal gave Madrid a point. 2-1 win over Celta Vigo In the previous match of the Spanish league.
Madrid must now refocus, if only for one game, on the domestic competition, where they have struggled recently and are four points behind leaders Barcelona after 27 of 38 matches.
Álvaro Arbeloa’s side host Elche on Saturday before heading to England three days later with the aim of defeating City and progressing to the Champions League quarter-finals.
Barcelona host Sevilla on Sunday.
key match
Elche looks like an easy acquisition for Madrid, but the small southern club certainly held a stronghold. 2-2 At home in November.
Elche were in eighth place just two months ago, but have plummeted to 17th place, just outside the relegation zone.
Before Valverde’s victory at Celta, Madrid had lost twice in the league to Getafe, home and away in Osasuna.
Barcelona are also looking to avenge their worst defeat in the league this season, a 4-1 loss to Sevilla in October. In this loss, Barcelona were without injured attackers Lamine Yamal and Rafinha.
Featured players
Valverde has emerged as a leader for Madrid, who have been hit by injuries. All six of his goals this season have come since January, when Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham were injured.
Yamal is also in great form at Barcelona. The 18-year-old has scored seven goals in his last seven La Liga appearances and saved a 1-1 draw with Newcastle in Tuesday’s Champions League round of 16 with a pressured penalty.
Activity suspended
Mbappe has not played since February 21 due to a knee problem and remains a question mark for Madrid with Bellingham and Eder Militao also out with long-term injuries.
Barcelona’s injured list includes starting fullbacks Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde.
off the field
Barcelona will host Club president election On Sunday, incumbent Joan Laporta is seeking another five-year term.
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