CL quarterfinals await – Real Madrid have history on their side following 3-0 win vs Man City | OneFootball

Real Madrid took a major step in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 after a commanding 3-0 victory over Manchester City.

The Spanish giants delivered a confident and disciplined performance, courtesy of Federico Valverde’s stunning hat-trick, putting themselves in a strong position ahead of the return match scheduled for March 17. 

Now, with such a comfortable advantage, history suggests that Real Madrid are already very close to progressing.

Real Madrid’s perfect record

One of the most striking statistics surrounding the result is Real Madrid’s record in European knockout ties when they win the first leg by three or more goals.

Across the club’s long and glorious Champions League history, Real Madrid have never been eliminated after establishing such a strong advantage in the first leg.

In fact, the club has faced this situation on 35 previous occasions in European competitions. 

On every single one of those occasions, Real Madrid successfully progressed to the next round.

A rare heavy defeat for Guardiola

Guardiola has suffered heavy defeats against Real Madrid. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

On the other hand, this defeat is one of the most significant losses suffered by Pep Guardiola against Real Madrid in European competition.

For the former Barcelona manager, the 3-0 scoreline stands as the second most emphatic defeat he has experienced against Los Blancos during his managerial career.

The only heavier loss came during the 2014 Champions League semifinal when Real Madrid defeated Bayern Munich 4-0 at Santiago Bernabeu.

Now, with a three-goal deficit to overturn, Manchester City face a daunting task when the teams meet again in England.

Real Madrid’s experience in European knockout rounds and their strong historical record in these situations mean they will travel to Manchester with confidence.

However, the Champions League has often produced dramatic comebacks, as Real Madrid, for that matter, meaning the second leg still promises to be an intense and unpredictable encounter.