12.02.2025 10:04
In the match where Real Madrid defeated Manchester City 3-2, Vinicius Jr. made a historic statement. Before the match, City fans displayed a banner saying "Stop Crying," and Vinicius was named Man of the Match. In response to the City fans' banner and chants of "Where is the Ballon d'Or?", Vinicius pointed to the UEFA badge on his jersey, symbolizing his 15 Champions League victories.
In the first leg of the Champions League playoff, Real Madrid defeated Manchester City 3-2 away, despite falling behind twice, with a goal scored in the 90+2 minute.
"STOP CRYING"
Manchester City fans displayed a striking banner referencing Real Madrid before the match played at the Etihad Stadium. The fans held up a banner that read 'Stop Crying Your Heart Out', referring to the rival's star Vinicius Jr. and Real Madrid.
OASIS SONG OR A REFERENCE TO MADRID?
The banner featured an image of Manchester City's star Rodri kissing the Ballon d'Or trophy. While this message alluded to the famous song by the English rock band Oasis, it was also interpreted as a criticism due to Real Madrid's absence from the much-discussed award ceremony.
RODRI CAPTURED THE MOMENTS
After the match, Rodri stated in an interview with El Chiringuito that he recorded the moment the banner was displayed with his phone, responding with "Very good." The star player did not elaborate much on whether such references affected his motivation on the field.
NAMED MAN OF THE MATCH
During the match, Manchester City fans chanted "Where is the Ballon d'Or?" directed at Vinicius, and the Brazilian star's response was quite striking. In footage captured by cameras, he responded by pointing to the UEFA badge on his jersey, symbolizing his 15 Champions League victories. The Brazilian star, who is one of Real Madrid's most influential players, was also named man of the match. As Vinicius shone that night, questions arose on social media asking, 'Would the City fans have displayed that banner if they hadn't?'
After the match, Vinicius Jr. commented on the situation, saying, "I saw the banner, but whenever rival fans do such things, I get even more motivated. It was the same today, and I had a great match. They are aware of our history. They know what we have done in this tournament. We are here for the fifth time; it is always very cold, but we will continue on this path," he said.