{"id":25733,"date":"2026-03-12T11:37:29","date_gmt":"2026-03-12T11:37:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/2026\/03\/12\/madrid-return-to-la-liga-with-valverdes-champions-league-hat-trick\/"},"modified":"2026-03-12T11:37:29","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T11:37:29","slug":"madrid-return-to-la-liga-with-valverdes-champions-league-hat-trick","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/2026\/03\/12\/madrid-return-to-la-liga-with-valverdes-champions-league-hat-trick\/","title":{"rendered":"Madrid return to La Liga with Valverde’s Champions League hat-trick"},"content":{"rendered":"


\n<\/p>\n

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BARCELONA, Spain (AP) \u2014 After Federico Valverde single-handedly got Real Madrid back into Champions League winning mode. Hat-trick against Manchester City<\/span>the 15-time European Cup winner will have to return to La Liga for a short time this weekend.<\/p>\n

Valverde’s memorable three-goal outburst in the first half on Wednesday was 3-0 win over City<\/span> And manager Josep Guardiola is Madrid’s nemesis, having led Barcelona’s best team for many years.<\/p>\n

Valverde’s treble came after a last-gasp goal gave Madrid a point. 2-1 win over Celta Vigo<\/span> In the previous match of the Spanish league.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u00c1lvaro 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.<\/p>\n

Barcelona host Sevilla on Sunday.<\/p>\n

key match<\/h2>\n

Elche looks like an easy acquisition for Madrid, but the small southern club certainly held a stronghold. 2-2<\/span> At home in November.<\/p>\n

Elche were in eighth place just two months ago, but have plummeted to 17th place, just outside the relegation zone.<\/p>\n

Before Valverde’s victory at Celta, Madrid had lost twice in the league to Getafe, home and away in Osasuna.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Featured players<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Activity suspended<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Barcelona’s injured list includes starting fullbacks Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde.<\/p>\n

off the field<\/h2>\n

Barcelona will host Club president election<\/span> On Sunday, incumbent Joan Laporta is seeking another five-year term.<\/p>\n

___<\/p>\n

AP Soccer: https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/soccer<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n


\n
Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) \u2014 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. 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