Vinicius Junior cites Ballon d'Or banner as motivation in Real Madrid's 3-2 victory over Manchester City

Vinicius Junior revealed that a mocking banner from Manchester City fans about his Ballon d'Or snub spurred him on during Real Madrid's thrilling 3-2 comeback victory in the Champions League play-off. The banner, which featured Rodri with the trophy and the phrase 'Stop Crying Your Heart Out,' was intended to taunt Vinicius but ultimately backfired, motivating him to deliver an outstanding performance. He was instrumental in two late goals that secured the win, showcasing his determination despite the taunts. City manager Pep Guardiola expressed frustration over his team's inability to maintain leads, pointing to a pattern of late-game collapses this season. As Real Madrid heads to the Bernabeu for the second leg, they are now heavy favorites to advance, while City faces mounting pressure to improve their performance. Guardiola emphasized the need for accountability among players and staff after yet another disappointing result.