Overview
- Real Madrid defeated Manchester City 3-2 in the first leg of their Champions League knockout tie, overcoming two deficits to secure a late victory at the Etihad Stadium.
- Manchester City fans targeted Vinicius Jr. with a banner reading 'Stop crying your heart out,' referencing his reaction to losing the 2024 Ballon d'Or to City's Rodri and Real Madrid's subsequent boycott of the ceremony.
- The banner also featured a photo of Rodri kissing the Ballon d'Or trophy, further amplifying the ongoing rivalry between the two clubs and their supporters.
- Vinicius Jr. responded to the taunts by pointing to Real Madrid's Champions League patch, highlighting the club's record 15 titles compared to Manchester City's single triumph.
- The second leg of this closely contested matchup is set for February 19, where tensions and stakes are expected to remain high.