'Maybe If I Put That Jersey On, I Might Get...'! Thierry Henry's Wisecrack About Real Madrid's UCL Pedigree

Last Updated:March 12, 2026, 13:42 IST

French legend Henry lauded the Spanish Capital City side's European caliber, and joked that pulling on the Los Blacos kit might help him get his hair back.

Real Madrid secured a significant advantage over Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City with a 3-0 victory in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 on Thursday, thanks to a first-half hat-trick by Federico Valverde.

French legend Thierry Henry applauded the Spanish Capital City side’s European pedigree, joking that the side adds something special in their kit.

“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," Henry joked.

Valverde opened the scoring for Madrid in the 20th minute and doubled his tally seven minutes later. He completed his hat-trick three minutes before halftime, delivering a substantial win for Alvaro Arbeloa’s side.

Valverde capitalised on a long ball from Thibaut Courtois, manoeuvring past the advancing Gianluigi Donnarumma and slotting the ball into the empty net to give the Spanish team the lead.

Vinicius Junior found Valverde inside the box with a pass from the left, allowing the Uruguayan to power the ball into the net with his left foot, doubling Madrid’s advantage.

For his third goal, Valverde showcased his South American flair, skilfully controlling the ball past Marc Guehi before dispatching it beyond the Italian goalkeeper, sealing the result.

Vinicius Junior earned a penalty in the second half after being fouled by Donnarumma, but his subsequent attempt was saved by the City keeper, who dived to his left and thwarted the Brazilian’s effort.

Henry also lauded the efforts of young Spanish midfielder Thiago Pitarch, who put in a shift in Madrid’s in on he day against their English opposition.

“I want to talk about Pitarch. I watched him closely. What a game he had, he was running for everybody."

Henry also went on to heap praise on Valverde and commended the Uruguayan for his versatility and adaptability in a variety of roles.

“Fede Valverde always shines. Only thing is that people don’t see that type of shine. People don’t see the players who run."

“I can assure you, when you’re Trent and someone is defending with you, it’s easier to defend. Not only did he score goals, he always technically shines. This is the type of guy who will adapt to any situation. He played RB, holding midfielder, LB, under the striker, CB. Only GK is left. You have to give him a lot of credit," he added.

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