Vinicius Junior admits Man City's Ballon d'Or banner 'gave me more strength' as Real Madrid superstar leaves Etihad Stadium with Man Of The Match award

The Brazilian was beaten to the 2024 prize by City's star midfielder Rodri and refused to attend the awards ceremony as a result, provoking a banner from City's fans reading 'Stop Crying Your Heart Out' ahead of Tuesday's Champions League round of 16 play-off first-leg tie. He then produced a Man Of The Match performance in Real's dramatic 3-2 victory.

It had been widely assumed that Vinicius was in line to be crowned the world's best player in 2024 after he played a key role in Real Madrid's run to a La Liga and Champions League double. When news emerged prior to the ceremony that Rodri - who was key to Manchester City's fourth consecutive Premier League title and Spain's Euro 2024 triumph - was set to beat him, all Real Madrid staff boycotted the event. The giant banner held up by City fans as the teams emerged onto the field at Etihad Stadium provided the 24-year-old with all the motivation he needed to set up two of Real's three goals.

Vinicius said: "I saw the banner, but when opposition fans do things it always gives me more strength to play a great game and here I did that. City know our history and everything we've done in this competition."

Real take a one-goal advantage into next week's second leg and are clear favourites to qualify for the last 16 at the expense of Pep Guardiola's side. Another deep run in this competition would enhance Vinicius' prospects of scooping the Ballon d'Or in 2025, though team-mates Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham also have their eyes on the prize.