Vinicius Junior Responds to Man City Fans’ Banner After Real Madrid’s Champions League Victory
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior has admitted that a banner displayed by Manchester City fans at the Etihad Stadium fueled his motivation during Real Madrid’s dramatic 3-2 victory in the UEFA Champions League.
The Banner That Backfired
Before Tuesday’s playoff first leg, City fans unfurled a massive banner mocking Vinicius. The flag referenced:
- His 2024 Ballon d’Or runners-up finish to City’s midfielder Rodri.
- Real Madrid’s boycott of the ceremony.
However, instead of rattling the Brazilian, the banner backfired spectacularly, as Vinicius played a crucial role in Madrid’s thrilling comeback win.
Vinicius’ Response
Speaking to Movistar after the game, the Real Madrid star acknowledged that he saw the banner and used it as extra motivation:
👉 “I saw it; I saw the banner. 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 banner, which featured an image of Rodri kissing his Ballon d’Or trophy, included the words “Stop Crying Your Heart Out”, referencing a song by Manchester-based band Oasis.
Match Summary – A Thrilling Comeback at the Etihad
Despite Manchester City twice taking the lead through Erling Haaland, Real Madrid fought back:
- Kylian Mbappe equalized after Haaland’s first goal.
- Former City youngster Brahim Diaz struck back following Haaland’s second.
- Jude Bellingham sealed Madrid’s win with a stoppage-time goal.
Pep Guardiola’s Frustration
City boss Pep Guardiola was left frustrated, particularly as his side once again failed to hold onto a lead this season.
🔹 Guardiola said:
“After (it went) 2-1, what happened was a summary of this season. We have given away too many late goals—against Feyenoord, Sporting Lisbon, Brentford, and Man United.”
🔹 Reflecting on City’s decline from their past dominance, he added:
“We have been an incredible machine every three days in recent years, but at the moment, I’m not able to give the team the composure to manage these situations.”
Looking Ahead
With the return leg at the Santiago Bernabeu next week, Real Madrid is now favored to progress to the last 16. However, Guardiola insists the tie is far from over:
👉 “We’ll try. We have to continue. With fresh minds and fresh legs, we’ll go for them.”
Can City overcome their first-leg deficit, or will Real Madrid’s mental strength see them through? All eyes will be on the Bernabeu next week.
