Vinicius Jr 'even more motivated' for Man City game as club set to unveil savage five-word banner ahead of Real Madrid tie
Manchester City are set to aim a taunt at Real Madrid and Vinicius Jr with a savage five-word banner about Rodri ahead of their Champions League clash.
Man City welcome Real to the Etihad on Tuesday for the first-leg of their Champions League play-off tie.
It's yet another European showdown between the two clubs, having met in last year's competition at the quarter-final stage.
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Despite Real's success in the Champions League, Vinicius Jr was snubbed of the 2024 Ballon d'Or, with Rodri claiming the prestigious individual prize.
Rodri beat Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham to the Ballon d'Or, with Real rejecting the invitation to the ceremony.
Real players and staff didn't attend the gala event due to their belief that Vinicius Jr should have won the award instead of Rodri.
Ahead of Vinicius Jr and Co taking to the Etihad pitch, Man City are set to unfurl a banner aimed at their European rivals, according to Man City supporters' group @WeAre1894.
Minutes before kick-off, a Man City banner is set to be unveiled.
The banner is of Rodri kissing the Ballon d'Or, accompanied with the caption: "Stop crying your heart out."
According to Spanish journalist Jose Luis Sanchez, Real are 'not bothered' by Man City's banner, with Vinicius Jr himself aware of the message and now 'even more motivated' for the match.
Naturally, the build-up to Man City vs. Real has been dominated by last year's Ballon d'Or fall-out.
Asked for his opinion on the situation, Pep Guardiola said: "Happy for Rodri.
"Vinicius made an extraordinary year as well. He deserved it. Like in the past when [Lionel] Messi and Cristiano [Ronaldo] were fighting for that. The subject is over."
Carlo Ancelotti, meanwhile, defended his side's decision to boycott the Ballon d'Or ceremony.
"I don't think it was the wrong decision," he explained.
"We thought Vini was the winner of the Ballon D'Or. It doesn't mean we don't respect Rodri because he is a fantastic player. I think Rodri deserved to win it the year before."
Man City and Real compete for a spot in the Champions League last-16, with their play-off second-leg scheduled for next Wednesday.
Topics: Champions League, Football, Real Madrid, Rodri, Vinicius Jr
Nasir Jabbar