Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr revealed that a provocative banner displayed by Manchester City fans before their Champions League clash served as extra motivation in his team's dramatic 3-2 victory at the Etihad Stadium.
The banner, which showed City midfielder Rodri kissing the Ballon d'Or trophy alongside the words "Stop crying your heart out," was meant to taunt the Brazilian forward, who finished behind Rodri in last year's prestigious award voting. Real Madrid had notably boycotted the October ceremony in Paris, believing their player deserved the honor.
"I saw the banner," Vinicius Jr told Movistar after the match. "Whenever the opposing fans do things like that they give me more strength to have a great game and here I have done it."
The first-leg victory was particularly sweet for Real Madrid, marking their first win at the Etihad in what has become a familiar Champions League rivalry. This encounter marks the fourth consecutive season - and fifth in six years - that these European giants have met in the knockout stages.
The match itself lived up to its billing, with Jude Bellingham delivering a last-minute winner to give Real Madrid the advantage heading into next week's second leg in Madrid. Bellingham, who has now scored 11 goals across all competitions this season, reflected on the intense nature of the contest.
"It was a weird one. We played some of our best football of the season and ended up behind," Bellingham said. "I don't care what form City are in they are still an unbelievable team. It's always tricky to play against them and we finally took the chance at the end."
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti praised Bellingham's performance, telling Amazon Prime: "It was a big goal. He played a fantastic game and was always dangerous. It was a top game for him."
Vinicius Jr emphasized the historical significance of Real Madrid's success in the competition, stating, "They know our history, everything we do in this competition. It is the fifth time we come here, it is always very cold, but this time we have won and we have to continue this."
The two sides will meet again next Wednesday at the Santiago Bernabéu, where Bellingham believes home advantage could prove crucial. "It's always good to take a lead back home and I'm sure the Bernabeu will come through for us," he said, adding, "It seems like there is up and downs in these knockout games. It's not just game management, it's tactical and it's psychological as well."
