Real Madrid doubters expected us to 'get battered', Federico Valverde 'most under-rated footballer on the planet' - Trent Alexander-Arnold

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A Real Madrid side missing several key players through injury and in shaky form domestically stepped up when it mattered most to beat Manchester City 3-0 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League last 16 clash. Trent Alexander-Arnold said sceptical onlookers expected his side to "get battered" but praised the performance and the impact of hat-trick hero Federico Valverde.

Alexander-Arnold: Valverde is most underrated player on the planet

Video credit: TNT Sports

Trent Alexander-Arnold said Real Madrid proved those who expected them to "get battered" against Manchester City wrong with their impressive 3-0 win in the UEFA Champions League last-16 first leg.

Federico Valverde scored a superb first-half hat-trick to put the Spanish side in control of the tie before the return leg on March 17.

And former Liverpool right-back Alexander-Arnold impressed in a depleted Real Madrid side, with the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo sidelined.

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"Massive performance," Alexander-Arnold told TNT Sports. "A lot of the noise when the draw happened and then leading up to this game, especially the way we've been playing the last few games and the results we've had, a lot of people expected us to get battered tonight.

"It just shows the mentality, it doesn't matter what injuries you've got, this competition means a lot to the club and us as players understand that.

"You go out there and they support us like that, anyone can win. We executed the game plan perfectly, first half especially.

Highlights: Valverde first-half hat-trick rocks Man City

Video credit: TNT Sports

"People will say that they're favourites going off results and the way both teams are playing. When you get to knockout football in the Champions League anyone can beat anyone. We scored our goals very, very ruthlessly."

Alexander-Arnold had high praise for Valverde, who he labelled "the most under-rated footballer on the planet."

"I'm running out of words for him as a player," he said. "Even as a Liverpool player I admired him. He is undoubtedly the most under-rated footballer on the planet.

"When you play with him you understand how much he gives to the team. He covers every blade of grass, he gives his all. As a player, the best attribute you can have is that your team-mates can always count on you and he never lets you down.

"It's absolutely incredible. Maybe people might start talking about it now but for many years he's been in that top bracket of midfielders."

Alexander-Arnold started for the fifth time in the Champions League this season in the win over City, and he said he is now settled after a disrupted start to life in the Spanish capital.

"Couple of injuries, it's never what you want when you first join a club," the 27-year-old said. "Since I've found my fitness, found my feet in the team, I'm loving it here. I've loved it ever since I made the decision and joined the club.

"It's a dream come true to be playing in a stadium like this, for a club like this and in games like today.

"I'm trying to embrace the culture and adapt as well as I can. The lads, the fans and the city have all accepted me with open arms."

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