12 February 2025
Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior responded to the repeated provocations he was subjected to by Manchester City fans, during the first leg of the Champions League play-off. City fans mocked Real Madrid and their Brazilian star Vinicius Junior before the match, by raising a giant banner showing Spanish player Rodri, the English team's player, kissing the Golden Ball, saying "Stop Crying your Heart Out"in a clear indication that he won the award at Vinicius' expense.
The matter continued throughout the match, as Manchester City fans booed Vinicius whenever he touched the ball.
Manchester City fans also chanted "Where is your Golden Ball?", for Vinicius to respond in his own way to the fans of the English Premier League champions, during the match that ended with Real Madrid winning 3-2 at the Etihad Stadium.
Vinicius pointed to the number "15" on Real Madrid's shirt, the number of times the royal club has won the Champions League, compared to just one title for City, accompanied by a sarcastic smile. Real Madrid boycotted the "France Football" magazine's ceremony to distribute the best in the world awards, in protest at Vinicius Junior losing the award for the best player in the world.
The match witnessed brilliance from both teams, as Erling Haaland scored a brace for Manchester City in the 19th and 80th minutes (from a penalty kick), while Kylian Mbappe, Brahim Diaz and Jude Bellingham scored Real Madrid's goals in the 60th, 86th and 90+2 minutes respectively.
The two teams are scheduled to meet again in the second leg at the "Santiago Bernabeu" stadium, Real Madrid's stronghold, next Wednesday.
