Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola commented on the banner supporters displayed before their 3-2 loss to Real Madrid on Tuesday night at Etihad Stadium. City

Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr says the display of a banner highlighting Rodri's Ballon d'Or win before kick-off at Manchester City motivated him even more to win the Champions League play-off first leg.

Real Madrid star Vinícius Jr. has aimed a subtle dig back in the direction of the group of Manchester City supporters who took aim at him during this week’s meeting between the sides.The

At Real Madrid, expectations remain high for Vinícius Jr. to fully represent the club’s values. However, this season, that vision seems far off, as the Brazilian has already surpassed his yellow card tally from the 2023-2024 campaign.

Real Madrid have reportedly opened talks with Vinicius Jr’s representatives as they attempt to ward off interest from Saudi Arabia and tie the Brazilian down to a new contract.

Vinícius Jr revealed that a pre-match banner celebrating Rodri’s Ballon d’Or win gave him extra motivation to help Real Madrid secure a dramatic 3-2 victory over Manchester City in their Champions League play-off first leg.

Vinicius Jr said a Manchester City banner mocking him at the start of the Champions League game at the Etihad motivated him to play better. As the teams came out for the first leg of their play-off, fans in the South Stand held up a giant banner of Rodri clutching the Ballon d'Or and the Oasic lyric 'Stop crying your heart out'.