In their Champions League tie on Tuesday night, Man City fans held up an Oasis-themed banner mocking Vinicius’ ‘defeat’ to Rodri in the Ballon d’Or last October; the banner read ‘Stop Crying Your Heart Out’ with an image of Rodri kissing the trophy; Vinicius then starred in Real’s 3-2 win
Wednesday 12 February 2025 10:28, UK
Manchester City fans display a banner of Ballon d’Or winner Rodri ahead of their team’s Champions League play-off tie with Real Madrid
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Manchester City fans display a banner of Ballon d’Or winner Rodri ahead of their team’s Champions League play-off tie with Real Madrid
Vinicius Junior revealed he was fired up by the banner mocking his Ballon d’Or ‘defeat’ displayed by Manchester City supporters after playing a starring role in Real Madrid’s dramatic Champions League victory at the Etihad Stadium.
The visiting side were greeted by a huge flag prior to Tuesday’s play-off first leg, poking fun at the Brazilian’s runners-up finish to City midfielder Rodri in last year’s Ballon d’Or award voting and Real’s subsequent boycott of the ceremony.
The banner displayed a huge picture of Rodri kissing his trophy alongside the message ‘Stop Crying Your Heart Out’ – a song title by City-supporting band Oasis. After seeing the banner, Rodri – sat in the stands due to his long-term knee injury – immediately took his phone out to capture the visual display.
