Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr had the last word over Manchester City fans after a thrilling Champions League night at the Etihad.
Despite City’s early dominance in the first leg, goals from Brahim Diaz and Jude Bellingham secured a 3-2 win for Los Blancos, setting up a fiery second leg in Madrid.
Vinicius was the target of relentless taunts from City fans, who unfurled an Oasis-inspired banner referencing Rodri’s Ballon d’Or win over the Brazilian.
Chants of “Where’s your Ballon d’Or?” rang around the stadium, but Vinicius had the perfect response—pointing to the Real Madrid badge and its 15 Champions League titles.
The 24-year-old played a crucial role in Real’s comeback, assisting Bellingham’s winner and earning the Man of the Match award. After the game, he brushed off the jeers, reminding City fans to “know our history.”
“Whenever the opposing fans do things, they give me more strength,” he told Movistar. “They know our history, everything we do in this competition.”
With the tie finely poised, Real Madrid will look to finish the job at the Bernabeu next week, aiming to book their place in the Champions League quarter-finals.