Trent Alexander-Arnold admitted Real Madrid were expected to 'get battered' by Manchester City in their Champions League round of 16 clash. Instead, Federico Valverde's first-half hat trick at the Bernabéu delivered a stunning 3-0 victory that has completely flipped the tie. The result comes despite Madrid's recent struggles under Álvaro Arbeloa, including four defeats across competitions.

Madrid entered the match without Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, and five other key players. Alexander-Arnold emphasized that the team's mentality and perfectly executed gameplan proved decisive. 'This competition means a lot to the club,' he told TNT Sports, noting that Champions League knockout football creates different dynamics where 'anyone can beat anyone.'

The victory silences critics who questioned Madrid's form after losses to Osasuna, Getafe, and Benfica. With the second leg in Manchester next week, Alexander-Arnold warned that despite City's favoritism, 'when you get to knockout football in the Champions League, anyone can beat anyone.' The win keeps Madrid's European hopes alive while they trail Barcelona by four points in LaLiga.