Real Madrid’s Fede Valverde poses a challenge for Bayern in UCL matchup.

The previous encounter between Federico Valverde and Bayern Munich saw him deliver a rather unremarkable performance, with his team narrowly avoiding elimination from the 2024 UEFA Champions League semifinal. In Valverde’s most recent match at the Santiago Bernabéu, two weeks ago, he received a red card, leaving his team with ten players during the Madrid Derbi; however, he had scored earlier, and ultimately, Los Blancos triumphed over Atlético Madrid 3-2.

In contrast, Valverde’s last appearance in Champions League action at Real Madrid’s home ground was nothing short of spectacular, arguably showcasing the best performance of the entire European season by any player. He netted an astonishing hat trick in just 22 minutes against Manchester City, providing Álvaro Arbeloa’s team with their most significant result of the season.

Due to the domestic suspension stemming from his dismissal in the Derbi, the 27-year-old was unavailable for Madrid’s disappointing loss on the island of Mallorca over the weekend. Without Valverde, the team could not secure a victory.

Now, he returns with immense responsibility, the potential for goals in his boots (8 goals and 12 assists this season), and the No. 8 on his back.

When he last faced Bayern, Valverde wore the number 15.

This change signifies two important aspects: Toni Kroos, a legendary figure for both Madrid and Bayern, has retired, leaving not only his shirt number vacant but also a significant void in terms of intelligence, inspiration, match control, and authority. In challenging times for the team, Valverde has stepped up, embracing both the number and the responsibility.

Earlier this season, I had the opportunity to interview this amiable, industrious, creative, and motivational midfielder during UEFA duties.

“I discussed with my wife my reluctance to wear that number out of respect for the previous owner, who was Toni,” Valverde shared with me. “If it were up to me, anyone who has achieved so much and left a lasting impact on the club should have their number retired, similar to what is done in the NBA — for that number to be honored forever and for Toni to be the last to wear it.

“My wife made a compelling argument that I needed to wear it … that I deserved it. When Toni also gave me his approval, I felt more at ease and told myself that it was ‘my’ moment and that I should cherish it every day when I train with that number on my back. I aim to treat every match as if it were my last. Initially, it was challenging, but ultimately, it was worthwhile.”

Kroos, possibly alongside Xabi Alonso, stands as a prominent figure among those who have played for both Bayern and Madrid.

During his five-and-a-half years in Bavaria, Kroos achieved everything. He then continued to excel: accumulating more seasons, accolades, appearances, goals, and trophies with Los Blancos, culminating his career by winning the Champions League final of 2024, which their dramatic added-time victory over Bayern (the last meeting between the clubs) secured.

As this rematch approaches, with Vincent Kompany’s team viewed as favorites by many pundits, Kroos is focused on his friend, former teammate, and successor in the No. 8 shirt as a potential game-changer.

“In what had been a subpar season for Real Madrid, Fede managed to carry the team somewhat,” Kroos stated to Sport Bild. “Things weren’t ideal for him either, but neither his momentum nor that performance against Man City are coincidences for me, as he possesses not only quality but also the right mentality. Since then, he’s been exceptional all over the pitch. It’s truly remarkable the level Fede’s currently achieving. I hope it continues for a long time.”

A statistical reflection of the form Kroos refers to would be the seven goals and five assists Valverde has accumulated in his last twelve matches. This marks the most creative phase of his career.

However, for football fans, the evidence of their own eyes will be more telling. He consistently performs exceptionally well in four or five positions during crucial matches, excelling in his role and assisting teammates when they are overwhelmed — either numerically or athletically. It’s impressive to observe.

Our subject did not particularly enjoy certain aspects of the period when Alonso was in charge, primarily because he was frequently asked to fill in at right back. He is willing and capable, but it is simply not the position on the field where he finds the most enjoyment.

What might Valverde’s scoring and assist statistics have looked like if either Dani Carvajal or Trent Alexander-Arnold had been fit earlier in the season? It’s uncertain. However, since the beginning of the year, often wearing the captain’s armband, we are discussing the Madrid player who has taken charge of the season and asserted that Madrid still has a role to play in the pursuit of major trophies.

He conveyed to me his commitment to prioritize the team over individual interests, regardless of the circumstances.

“Sacrifice is a trait that characterizes most South Americans, but I believe it is particularly pronounced among Uruguayans,” Valverde remarked. “I often speak about sacrifice; my father instilled this value in me. I witnessed it in my parents when they went to work. At times, they would forgo meals so that I could eat. That’s sacrifice.

“I strive to emulate what I observed in my childhood. Now, it allows me to make sacrifices for the team. I aim to impart everything I’ve learned to all my teammates because this fosters unity, develops team spirit, and contributes to the growth of the Real Madrid institution.”

In our UEFA interview, Valverde described the term “fighter” when I inquired about the defining characteristic of Uruguayans. Once again, this is evident in every aspect of his competitive spirit. He possesses the right qualities.

As Valverde prepares to take the field in the lively, intense Bernabéu on Tuesday, he will reflect on how his father wept upon hearing that Madrid was interested in this promising young talent. He will remember living in a cramped bedroom with two others in the Peñarol first team. He might even recall, as he has admitted, that when he first joined Real Madrid, he became somewhat overconfident and carried away with himself.

That is now a distant memory, almost too far removed to feel credible.

I appreciated how he articulated what thoughts will occupy his mind as he readies himself to attempt to send Bayern home defeated. He described the tense final moments in the stadium tunnel before stepping onto the pitch and how he feels.

“Firstly, I’m happy. I walk out feeling proud to represent the badge on my chest. I believe the shirt makes you feel larger and stronger,” Valverde stated. “Naturally, I don’t feel overly nervous after so many matches. You forget all the discomfort in your legs when you emerge and see all the fans from the tunnel, when you hear the Champions League anthem, when you hear the Real Madrid anthem. It’s a blend of many emotions, a tremendous honor; you step onto the pitch with a desire to give everything.”

It is unlikely that Bayern Munich will overlook the extensive footage of Valverde to prepare tactically, but if they take note of his words, they can consider themselves duly cautioned. Valverde is determined to secure victory, and he has made it clear that he knows how to achieve it.