'Strength to play a great game..'- Vinicius Junior reacts after seeing Rodri's Ballon d'Or banner

At the Etihad Stadium, Real Madrid defeated Manchester City 3-2 in the first leg of their play-off round match, putting themselves one step ahead for a spot in the Champions League's round of 16. As usual, Vinicius Junior was a key player in Real Madrid's 3-2 triumph over Manchester City in the playoffs' first leg of their matchup.

Before kickoff against Manchester City, a banner showcasing Rodri's Ballon d'Or victory was shown, which, according to Real Madrid striker Vinicius Jr., inspired him even more to win the first leg of the Champions League play-offs. In October last year, Spain's Rodri received the coveted trophy ahead of the Brazil winger.

Real Madrid did not attend the Paris ceremony because they believed their player deserved it. "Stop crying your heart out" was written beside a picture of Rodri kissing the Ballon d'Or on the huge banner that City supporters unfurled at Etihad Stadium on Tuesday night.

The Brazilian sensation was a consistent threat on the left wing, which led to him giving Jude Bellingham the game-winning assist. Vinicius was also questioned on the banner that Manchester City fans had flown before kickoff, which referred to the 24-year-old's unsuccessful attempt to win the Ballon d'Or the previous year. 

“Yes, I have seen the banner, but whenever the opposing fans do things, they give me strength to play a great game, and here I have done it. I try not to do anything, but they know our history and they know everything we can do in this competition. I think it was the fifth time we came to play. It’s always very cold, but we have to continue in this vein,” he said.

Real Madrid favorite to win playoff round

The two sides have faced off in the tournament's knockout stages for the fourth straight season and the fifth in six. Last year, Carlo Ancelotti's team won their 15th championship when Real defeated them on penalties in their quarterfinal matchup.

The current Premier League champions Manchester City will undoubtedly be vying for the title at the Santiago Bernabeu next week as they attempt to overcome Los Blancos' one-goal lead, but Real Madrid is now the overwhelming favourite to eliminate Man City from the Champions League for the third time in the previous four seasons.