Real Madrid winger Vinícius Júnior has revealed that a banner displayed by Manchester City fans, Man City Ballon d’Or banner motivated him to produce a match-winning performance. The banner, referencing the Ballon d’Or controversy from last year, depicted City midfielder Rodri with the trophy and the message “Stop Crying Your Heart Out.”
Vinícius, who was instrumental in Real Madrid’s 3-2 comeback victory, including setting up Jude Bellingham’s late winner, admitted that the banner fueled his determination.
“I saw [the banner],” Vinícius said. “But when opposition fans do things, it always gives me more strength to play a great game, and here I did that.”
Real Madrid fell behind twice in the match, with Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland scoring for Manchester City. However, they responded with goals from Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, and Bellingham to secure a crucial first-leg victory.
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti praised Vinícius Júnior’s performance and suggested that the banner may have served as extra motivation for the Brazilian winger.
“I don’t know if Vini saw it,” Ancelotti said. “But having seen the game, if he saw it, it was a big motivation for him.”
Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola downplayed the significance of the banner, stating that he hadn’t seen it. However, he acknowledged Vinícius Júnior’s talent, describing him as an “extraordinary player.”
Real Madrid will now take a 3-2 lead into the second leg of the tie at the Bernabéu next week. Ancelotti expressed confidence in his team’s ability to progress to the last 16, despite the challenges they face. Man City Ballon d’Or banner are everywhere in memes after the match.
“This is the way,” Ancelotti said. “We’ve been talking about it for a long time. The season really starts now, and despite all our difficulties, we’ve got a very good result.”
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