How Manchester City fans helped Real Madrid beat their team in the Champions League
Vinicius Jr played a key role in Madrid’s playoff victory over City after being spurred on by the home fans’ pregame provocation.
Manchester City have a mountain to climb if they are to reach the 2024/25 Champions League round of 16 after suffering a 3-2 home defeat at the hands of Real Madrid. And the general view is there are multiple ways in which the Premier League side were the architects of their own downfall.
City gift Real Madrid two late goals
On the field, Pep Guardiola’s team twice shot themselves in the foot late in the second half. Erling Haaland’s two goals had their 2-1 ahead with just a few minutes left to play and seemingly in control. However, a loose kick from goalkeeper Ederson eventually led to Brahim Díaz netting an equalizer, before Vinicius Jr robbed a careless Rico Lewis and teed up Jude Bellingham to score an injury-time winner.
🚨✨ Vinicius Jr: “I saw the banner from Man City fans… and it motivated me even more”.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 11, 2025
“Whenever rival fans do things, it gives me more strength to play a great game”. pic.twitter.com/ZGMl4FCSHp
At the beginning of the game, City were forced to weather an early storm from Madrid, who many believe came out extra motivated due a banner held up by home fans before kickoff.
Manchester City fans' provocative Vinicius banner
“Stop Crying Your Heart Out,” it read, along with a picture of midfielder Rodri kissing the Ballon d’Or.
The title of City-supporting band Oasis’s 2002 single was a thinly-veiled reference to Vinicius Jr’s overwhelming belief that he deserved to collect the prize, as well as Real Madrid boycotting the award ceremony in protest at the Brazilian being snubbed.
Did the banner backfire? Can five words on a big piece of fabric really influence a Champions League game between two of the best teams in the world?
“I saw the banner from Man City fans...and it motivated me even more,” Vinicius confirmed at full time. It was undoubtedly the Brazilian who had the last laugh with involvements in Madrid’s last two goals, which earned him the contest’s MVP award.
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