Real Madrid News
Barcelona icon astonished by Real Madrid’s display vs Man City: ‘Pains me to say it… but well done’
The impressive 3-0 victory of Real Madrid over Manchester City in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 caught many observers off guard.
Even former Barcelona striker Thierry Henry admitted he did not expect the Spanish side to produce such a dominant performance at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Speaking on CBS Sports Golazo after the match, the French legend acknowledged that Real Madrid deserved full credit for the display despite his well-known connection to Barcelona.
“It was a special night in the Champions League. As everyone knows, I’m a big Barça fan, but you have to give Madrid a lot of credit. No one saw it coming,” he explained.
Valverde’s unexpected heroics
One of the biggest surprises of the match was the performance of Federico Valverde, who scored the first hat-trick of his career to lead Real Madrid to victory.
Henry admitted that even the most optimistic Real Madrid supporters would not have predicted such a performance from the midfielder.
“No one saw Valverde scoring a hat-trick. Anyone who says Valverde was going to score a hat trick is a liar, but I want to talk about the collective effort they put in today.
“That’s how you win games. Everyone defended for everyone else. And Valverde will get his reward. Because he has always served the club well.
“Scoring three goals is not something that happens to him often. Or actually, it had never happened to him before,” he added.
Praise for Thiago Pitarch
Henry also highlighted the performance of young Thiago Pitarch, who impressed with his work rate and commitment during the match.
According to the former Arsenal and Barcelona striker, the young player’s effort throughout the game was particularly noticeable.
"I don't know what they put in that jersey… maybe if I put it on it might help me to get my hair back." 😭
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) March 11, 2026
Titi knows the Real Madrid jersey has some magic 🪄 pic.twitter.com/OsCvbt28W4
“I want to talk about… I don’t know how to say his name, Pitarch. Because I watched him closely tonight. What a great game he played. He ran for everyone.”
Real Madrid’s Champions League aura
Henry also joked about the unique aura that Real Madrid seem to carry whenever they play in the Champions League.
He suggested that there is something special about the club’s shirt on European nights.
“I don’t know what they put on that shirt. I really don’t. Obviously, what I’m about to say is a joke because I don’t want to wear that shirt, but maybe if I did, it would help me grow my hair back.
“They put something on it. When they play in the Champions League, I don’t know what it is,” he joked.
The Frenchman went on to explain that playing for Real Madrid in the Champions League carries a different kind of pressure and identity.
“I said at the start of the game that it’s a heavy shirt to wear, and then you have to fight against a team that has won that competition. It’s not easy.
“I know it’s a heavy shirt, but I don’t know why, when they put it on, the players seem different. It’s different.”
“So we have to give them credit for that. Because with that team, right now in the first leg, I didn’t expect that from Real Madrid.
“So, even though it pains me to say it… well done,” he concluded.
Real Madrid News
Manchester United launch final push to sign Real Madrid outcast; club resists permanent exit
Manchester United are stepping up their pursuit of Endrick as the Brazilian forward’s future at Real Madrid becomes increasingly uncertain, with a potential January loan move emerging as a solution to his lack of regular playing time.
According to Bernabeu Digital, Manchester United are making a final push to convince the 19-year-old to join them.
However, negotiations could prove complicated because the Premier League club is interested in including a purchase option in the deal, while Real Madrid are not currently planning to give up permanent control of the striker.
Endrick’s limited opportunities under Jose Mourinho this season have opened the door to a temporary departure, with AC Milan and Tottenham also emerging as potential destinations.
Why Manchester United want Endrick?
Manchester United are looking for greater attacking productivity and believe Endrick could provide a different dimension to their forward line.
The Premier League club has also been linked with the Brazilian in the past, as they assess options to improve their goalscoring output after a poor start to the season.
Notably, his situation at Real Madrid makes a move more plausible, as Endrick has struggled to secure consistent minutes, and the club is considering a loan that would give him the chance to play regularly.
However, United’s preferred terms could become the biggest obstacle.
The English side reportedly wants the option to buy Endrick at the end of the loan, potentially giving them a route to a permanent transfer if he impresses.
Real Madrid reject permanent Endrick exit
Real Madrid’s preference is understood to be a straightforward loan without a purchase option.
The club want Endrick to gain experience elsewhere before returning to compete for a place in the squad, rather than risk losing a young forward they have invested in for the future.
His previous loan spell at Lyon provides a possible model for another temporary move, although any agreement would depend on the terms offered and the player’s own preferences.
Manchester United are prepared to make an attractive financial proposal in an effort to secure his arrival, but money alone may not resolve the disagreement if Real Madrid remain unwilling to include a purchase clause.
