Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior has admitted a banner by Manchester City fans, taunting him about missing out on the Ballon d’Or, actually motivated him.
Los Blancos collected another famous win after beating the Citizens at their own home ground thanks to a late turn-around.
City were leading 2-1 after 86 minutes but Madrid scored two late goals to seal a 3-2 come-from-behind win and take a giant step towards the last 16 of the Champions League.
Haaland scored twice on the night with Kylian Mbappé, Brahim DÃaz and Jude Bellingham all recording their names on the scoresheet to see Carlo Ancelotti’s men take a huge advantage to the Bernabéu next week – but it was Vinicius who walked away with the Man of the Match award.
Prior to kick off, City fans somewhat trolled VinÃcius by raising a “Stop Crying Your Heart Out” banner behind one of the Etihad’s goals in support for Rodri in the Ballon d’Or debate.
The Brazilian winger was booed by the home crowd from his very first touch, but little did they know he would raise his game in response.
With less than five minutes left, VinÃcius then played a key part in Los Blancos’ late rally by lofting the ball over an onrushing Ederson for Bellingham to squeeze in the winner with the easiest of tap-ins.
“I saw [the banner],” VinÃcius told Movistar.
“But when opposition fans do things, it always gives me more strength to play a great game, and here I did that. … [City] know our history, and everything we’ve done in this competition.”
