Real Madrid midfielder Fede Valverde had the best game of his career on Wednesday, scoring his first career hat-trick against Manchester City in the Champions League last-16 first leg at the Santiago Bernabeu.
It was a special moment for the Uruguayans, and it turned out that things could have been better. He revealed to TNT Sports Brazil (via MD) that he had the chance to take the penalty Vinicius Junior won in the second half.
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“Yes, yes, he asked me (if I would take the penalty). Vinicius is a very important player for us. He is a legend of the club. He is a great friend, but I told him to take it himself – and a lot of my team-mates thought the same.”
Valverde regrets Vinicius’ missed penalty
Vinicius was then denied by Manchester City goalkeeper Donnarumma in what could have been a crucial moment of the game. Valverde regretted the decision, although he was pleased with how his Real Madrid team-mates bounced back in the remainder of the game.
“These are things that can happen (missing a penalty). It’s a football thing. It’s true that we still have such shortcomings in the game. If he could score, it would be an unbelievable night. We left that sting behind but it’s part of football.
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“Penalty kicks can be scored or missed. The important thing is that he shows attitude when taking penalty kicks, he keeps running, he keeps trying…The fans support him and that’s why players and fans unite and it will bring us a lot of joy.”
Real Madrid will certainly hope that Vinicius’ error from 12 yards will not be too costly. It will be up to him, Ernesto Valverde and his colleagues to ensure that doesn’t happen as Alvaro Arbeloa’s side seek to reach the Champions League quarter-finals next week.