"The Uruguay international, who scored just twice in his first 39 appearances for club and country this season, has found his best form at the ideal time. Fresh from a Champions League hat-trick against Manchester City in midweek the 27-year-old midfielder was the orchestrator of a victory secured in the final six minutes of the first half."
"Having launched the attack with a driving run through the middle Valverde exchanged passes with left-back Fran García. When the pass was returned to him on the edge of the penalty area Valverde faked to hit a shot with his left foot before shifting the ball onto his right foot and firing past Dituro."
"But while his contribution may have set up the victory, the goal of the night went to Arda Güler, who lobbed the goalkeeper from 10 yards inside his own half in the 89th minute."
Federico Valverde delivered an outstanding performance in Real Madrid's 4-1 victory over Elche, continuing his exceptional recent form with another goal. The Uruguay midfielder, who had scored only twice in his first 39 appearances this season, has now found his rhythm at a crucial time. Following a Champions League hat-trick against Manchester City midweek, Valverde orchestrated Madrid's win with two goals in the final six minutes of the first half. His powerful free-kick led to Antonio Rüdiger's opening goal, while Valverde's second came from a skillful exchange with left-back Fran García. Arda Güler added the night's most spectacular goal with a lob from inside his own half. The victory reduced Barcelona's lead at the top of LaLiga to just one point.
Read at ESPN
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