Vinícius, Defiant, Responds to City's Fans Over Ballon d'Or Banner

Vinícius Hasn't Stayed Quiet After Manchester City Fans' Provocation. At the Etihad, the local fans displayed a banner mocking the Brazilian for not having won the Ballon d'Or.

Real Madrid's forward, far from being upset, used the situation as extra motivation. "I've seen the banner. But whenever rival fans do things, they give me more strength to play a great match," he declared after the game.

He certainly did. Vinícius was key in Madrid's comeback. His performance earned him the Man of the Match award.

Key in the Two Decisive Goals

The Brazilian was involved in the equalizing goal. It was his shot that forced Ederson to deflect, leaving the ball perfectly for Brahim Díaz to score.

In the final 2-3, his chip attempt didn't go as expected, but it ended up becoming an assist. Bellingham, with great determination, followed the play and scored the winning goal.

Vinícius's reply to the provocations wasn't with words, but with soccer. In a tense and demanding match, the Brazilian once again showed why he is a star. Additionally, he was named the Man of the Match.

His speed, imbalance, and determination were a constant headache for City's defense. He not only created danger but was crucial in the most decisive moments of the match.

An Unstoppable Madrid in the Champions League

With this result, Real Madrid takes an important step in the knockout stage. However, the team knows that nothing is decided.

Vinícius, like Courtois and other teammates, has called for maximum focus for the return leg. "We have to keep the same, with the same intensity and mentality," he stated.

City's fans tried to unsettle him with the banner, but all they managed to do was further ignite his competitive spirit. Once again, Vinícius replied on the field.