Ghana international Antoine Semenyo made his first appearance in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night, featuring for Manchester City in their 3–0 defeat to Real Madrid in the first leg of their Round of 16 tie.
The 26-year-old forward was handed a starting role for the clash at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, marking a significant milestone in his career as he made his debut in Europe’s top club competition.
Semenyo showed flashes of quality early in the match and tested Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois with a well-struck effort during a lively opening spell for the visitors.
However, the night ultimately belonged to Federico Valverde, who produced an outstanding first-half performance by scoring three times to put the Spanish giants firmly in control of the tie.
The Uruguayan midfielder opened the scoring in the 20th minute after finishing off a swift counterattack, rounding Gianluigi Donnarumma before calmly placing the ball into the net.
Valverde struck again seven minutes later when he met a pass from Vinícius Júnior and fired a low effort into the corner with his left foot.
He completed his hat-trick just before the halftime break, finishing a well-worked attacking move that involved Brahim Díaz.
Madrid had further opportunities to extend their advantage in the second half, although Vinícius failed to convert from the penalty spot. City, meanwhile, attempted to respond late on but were unable to find a breakthrough despite chances for Erling Haaland.
The two sides will face each other again in the return leg in Manchester, where City will need a major turnaround to keep their Champions League campaign alive.