Vinicius Jr has admitted that mocking Manchester City fans spurred him on as Real Madrid won 3-2 in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
Supporters at the Etihad Stadium couldn’t resist taking aim at the Brazil international over his failure to win the Ballon d’Or, which was won by Rodri back in October, by unfurling a banner.
The banner depicted Rodri claiming his prize, along with a message that read: “Stop crying your heart out.”
City twice went ahead through Erling Haaland on the night, with the Norway international netting against Real for the first time in his career.
Vinicius Jr has admitted that mocking Manchester City fans spurred him on as Real Madrid won 3-2 in the Champions League on Tuesday night
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Yet the visitors ended up securing a 3-2 victory after second half goals from Kylian Mbappe, Brahim Diaz and Jude Bellingham.
The victory means Real have a slim advantage ahead of the second leg of the play-off tie, which will take place at the Bernabeu next Wednesday.
And Vinicius, who produced a terrific performance on the left of Carlo Ancelotti’s attack, has now responded to City supporters.
“I saw the banner from Man City fans – and it motivated me even more,” said the Brazilian winger.
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“Whenever rival fans do things, it gives me more strength to play a great game.”
Real had never won outright at the Etihad prior to kick off.
But their win means they’re in pole position to advance to the next phase of the prestigious competition, with Bellingham’s late winner giving them a crucial lead.
Real boss Carlo Ancelotti was proud of his team, with the Italian stating: “I think it was a complete game in all aspects, beyond criticism from my part.
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“Everyone worked hard. We had a lot of chances. We didn’t give up when we were behind.
“It was a well-rounded, unblemished performance. I think we deserved the win.
“We defended well, with a compact block … they took the lead with a penalty but up front our players were very effective.
“They could have been a bit more accurate, but they generated a lot of chances with mobility, teamwork and individual quality.”
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Vinicius Jr sparkled for Real Madrid as they beat Man City in the Champions League on Tuesday night
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While it was a big win for Real, it was a disappointing defeat for City.
They had the game in their hands, especially with Haaland twice giving them the lead on the night.
Now, however, they have a monumental task on their hands with a huge trip to the Bernabeu lying in wait.
Pep Guardiola, reacting to the result, said: “We arrived at the last minute with a result and we could not keep it.
Jude Bellingham netted a late winner as Real Madrid beat Man City in the first leg of their Champions League play-off clash
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“After 2-1, many games it has happened, against Feyenoord in the Champions League (City led 3-0 in the 74th minute but were held to a 3-3 draw), against Brentford in the Premier League, against Manchester United, many games at the end we give away.
“Unfortunately it has happened so many times, it’s difficult.”