EEven without the hosts of the Galacticos, Real Madrid were too good for Manchester City in the recent Champions League encounter between the giants. Madrid had a 3-0 win at the Bernabéu on Wednesday, with Federico Valverde scoring an incredible hat-trick in the first half to put them in the lead with the Round of 16 tied at half-time. The Uruguay international has taken on the responsibility of inspiring the record 15-time champions, with stars such as Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo absent through injury.
Madrid’s victory could have been even more impressive, but Gianluigi Donnarumma saved Vincius Junior’s casual penalty in the second half.
Defending champions PSG beat Chelsea 5-2, while diminutive Bodt/Glimt are looking to advance to the quarter-finals with a 3-0 win over Sporting Lisbon.
Arsenal drew 1-1 with Bayer Leverkusen. Kai Havertz returned to Bayer Leverkusen and scored a late draw against Arsenal.
The German international scored an 89th-minute penalty against the team where he started his career, leveling the score in the Round of 16 first leg at BayArena. “I know the stadium well and have taken many penalties here,” said Havertz, who joined Chelsea from Leverkusen in 2020 in a deal worth $95 million.
Havertz will be troubled by Leverkusen
Premier League leaders Arsenal fell behind with Robert Andrich’s goal just after half-time. However, Malik Tillman fouled Noni Maduke in the box and Havertz fired a low shot past Janis Blaswicz from the spot. “It felt like an eternity from the penalty whistle to the penalty kick,” Havertz said. “But ultimately you have to be mentally present in the moment.”
