MADRID (Interstat) — Federico Valverde scored a first-half hat trick to power Real Madrid W to a commanding 3-0 victory over Manchester City FC in the Champions League on Wednesday.

All three goals came in a decisive 22-minute span at Estadio Santiago Bernabéu. Valverde struck in the 20th, 27th and 42nd minutes. Substitute Gianluigi Donnarumma assisted on one goal before receiving a yellow card in the 57th minute. Fellow substitute Rayan Aït-Nouri also tallied an assist and a late yellow.

The result defied a pregame projection of a 1-1 draw, though statistical models heavily favored the hosts. Real Madrid begins its European campaign with a win, while Manchester City seeks its first victory in the competition this season.