Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr. credited Manchester City fans' Rodri banner for fueling his motivation in their 3-2 Champions League win. The banner, celebrating Rodri’s Ballon d’Or win, provoked Vinicius, who played a key role in Real’s victory. Jude Bellingham sealed the dramatic win with a last-minute goal.
Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. has revealed that a banner displayed by Manchester City fans before their Champions League clash gave him extra motivation to perform. The banner, which celebrated City midfielder Rodri’s Ballon d’Or win, appeared to mock Real Madrid, referencing their decision to boycott the awards last year after Vinicius was overlooked.
The Brazilian forward, however, used the taunt as fuel for his performance, helping Real Madrid secure a dramatic 3-2 victory in the first leg of their quarter-final clash at the Etihad Stadium. Speaking after the match, Vinicius admitted that seeing the banner pushed him to deliver a top performance.
The match was an intense battle, with both sides showing their quality. Despite City’s dominance in possession, Real Madrid capitalized on key moments, with Jude Bellingham delivering the decisive blow in stoppage time. The English midfielder, who has developed a reputation for scoring crucial goals, once again stepped up when his team needed him most.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti praised Bellingham’s impact, calling his performance "top-class" and acknowledging the team’s resilience. Vinicius Jr. also emphasized Real Madrid’s legacy in the competition, noting that they thrive in high-pressure moments.
The two teams will meet again in Madrid for the second leg next week, where City will hope to overturn the deficit. Meanwhile, Real Madrid will look to capitalize on their advantage and move one step closer to another Champions League title.
