New Delhi: Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. delivered a match-of-the-match performance in their Champions League play-off first leg against Manchester City at Etihad Stadium. The Brazilian later revealed that a banner from City fans backing Rodri in their Ballon d’Or dispute served as his inspiration. Spain midfielder Rodri had been awarded the prestigious honour in October, a decision Real Madrid openly protested believing Vinicius deserved the accolade.
The banner clearly visible at the Etihad Stadium featured Rodri kissing the Ballon d’Or trophy along with the Oasis song title “Stop crying your heart out,” a pointed message aimed at Vinicius and Real Madrid’s perceived grievances. Far from being discouraged, the Brazilian star 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.”
Man CIty fans unveil a Ballon d’Or banner in front of Vini Jr:
‘STOP CRYING YOUR HEART OUT’ pic.twitter.com/FjBceFJ54m
— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) February 11, 2025
Pep Guardiola in the post-match conference said he hadn’t seen the banner while acknowledging that Vinicius is “an extraordinary player.”
Vinicius provided one assist, attempted three shots, completed 3/6 dribbles, made two key passes and also created two big chances. The two sides will next lock horns in Madrid in the second leg on Wednesday.
Late drama as Jude Bellingham scores
The game was turned around late on as Real Madrid snatched a 3-2 away victory against Man City. Madrid started well but were unable to capitalise on their chances leading to Erling Haaland opening the scoreline and giving home a 1-0 lead. Kylian Mbappe equalised in the 60th minute but Haaland gave home lead again in the 80th minute from the penalty spot after Dani Ceballos fouled Phil Foden in the box.
Former Man City star Brahim Diaz then equalized in the 86th minute after Ederson’s save from Vini’s shot. In the added time Vinicius beat Rico Lewis to the bouncing ball and set up Jude Bellingham to score the winner. Bellingham has scored 11 goals in all competitions for Madrid this season.
⚪️✨ 11 goals and 10 assists for Jude Bellingham in all competitions this season. pic.twitter.com/sdLzjX9Vu5
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 11, 2025
On next week’s second, Bellingham said, “It’s always good to take a lead back home and I’m sure the Bernabeu will come through for us. It seems like there is up and downs in these knockout games. It’s not just game management, it’s tactical and it’s psychological as well.”
In the post-match conference, Carlo Ancelotti said his side had a “slight advantage” in the tie after the 3-2 win with the second leg to take place on February 19.
Real Madrid edged Manchester City 3-2 in a thrilling UCL first-leg clash. The decisive second leg awaits next Wednesday at the Santiago Bernabéu. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
