Man City v Real Madrid: Vinicius Jr teased with Rodri Ballon d’Or banner

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.

The Brazilian winger finished as a runner-up to Spain midfielder Rodri for the prestigious award last October, a result that sparked controversy. Real Madrid even boycotted the Paris ceremony, believing Vinícius was more deserving of the accolade.

Before kick-off at the Etihad Stadium, City fans unveiled a giant banner featuring Rodri holding the Ballon d’Or alongside the phrase, "Stop crying your heart out." The gesture added fuel to the fire for Vinícius, who admitted it spurred him on to perform at his best.

"I saw the banner," Vinicius Jr told Movistar.

"Whenever the opposing fans do things like that they give me more strength to have a great game and here I have done it."

Despite the provocation, it was Real who had the last laugh. Jude Bellingham’s last-gasp goal sealed a thrilling win for the visitors, leaving City to reflect on what might have been.

The two sides meet in Madrid in the second leg next Wednesday.