Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa described his player Valverde as 'Juanito of the 21st century', as he embodies Real Madrid's true identity and is one of the team's leaders. The Spanish coach said: 'Valverde played in every position, we wanted him to be more attacking, but he even helped with defensive tasks. Most importantly is what he transmits.' 'Real' are close to the quarter-finals with this big win, unless they lose by a 4-goal margin in the return leg at the United stadium. The European evening at the Santiago Bernabéu, the fortress of 'Real' — Europe's most successful club, was especially special for Uruguayan Federico Valverde (27), who scored a hat-trick in the 3-0 win over Manchester City in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16.
