Which players have scored first-half Champions League hat-tricks vs English opponents?
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Only two players have achieved this distinct milestone in the competition.
Federico Valverde made history with a spectacular hat-trick against Manchester City in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 match.
Valverde became just the second Uruguayan player to score a hat-trick in the UEFA Champions League since Walter Pandiani in 2001, with his hat-trick in the first half at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Moreover, the Uruguayan became only the second player to score a hat-trick in the competition’s first half against an English club, setting another record with his treble. But who was the first player to achieve that? Let’s have a look.
Players to score a first-half hat-trick against an English opponent in Champions League history
2. Lionel Messi vs Arsenal (2010)
It’s hard not to see Messi’s name on the list of records. The Argentine seems to always be there because of his successful time in Europe and the way he made every game a historic one for himself. During his time playing in Europe’s elite competition, the former Barca star won four Champions League titles and set many records.
His famous hat-trick against Arsenal is still remembered. It came in the second leg at Camp Nou when the Argentine forward singlehandedly guided his side to a win.
In that match of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal at Barcelona’s Camp Nou in 2010, Lionel Messi gave an impressive performance against Arsenal, scoring a treble in the first half.
1. Federico Valverde vs Man City (2026)
Valverde required only the first half to finish his hat-trick. Goalie Thibaut Courtois assisted Valverde with a 70-yard long ball in the 20th minute, and Valverde scored.
Seven minutes later, Valverede doubled the advantage with a low, clinical shot from his “weaker” left foot after banking on a deflected feed from Vinicius Jr.
After receiving a ball from Brahim Diaz in the 42nd minute, the Uruguayan winger chipped the ball over Marc Guehi of City and smashed a right-footed volley to complete his hat-trick.
Which players have scored first-half hat-tricks in UCL against English clubs?
Valverde and Messi.
Against which English opponent did Messi score a first-half UCL hat-trick?
He scored against Arsenal.
Against which English opponent did Valverde score a first-half UCL hat-trick?
He scored against Manchester City.
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After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.