The Japan Times - Who's crying now? Real Madrid's Vinicius has last laugh on Man City fans

Real Madrid twice came from behind before snatching a dramatic stoppage time winner in their 3-2 play-off round first leg victory over Premier League champions City on Tuesday.

Home fans displayed a huge banner with a picture of City midfielder Rodri Hernandez holding the Ballon d'Or, which he won in October 2024 ahead of Vinicius.

Real Madrid reacted angrily, refusing to attend the ceremony.

"Stop crying your heart out" City's banner chided the Spanish giants, giving a nod to a song of the same name by Manchester band Oasis.

However it was City who ended the night in tears after Jude Bellingham stabbed home a late winner, set up by Vinicius.

Kylian Mbappe levelled for Madrid after Erling Haaland sent them ahead, and Brahim Diaz snatched an 86th minute equaliser after the Norwegian netted his second from the penalty spot.

Vinicius and Bellingham combined for Madrid's third in the 92nd minute, sealing another late comeback win for a side who have made a habit of them in Europe.

The City fan group who organised the banner said it was aimed at Real Madrid chief Florentino Perez.

The home fans certainly had Vinicius in their sights though. "Where's your Ballon d'Or?" jeered supporters at the Brazilian winger.

Vinicius responded in the moment by pointing at the badge on his sleeve, the number 15 representing Real Madrid's record number of European Cup triumphs.

- 'More strength' -

However Vinicius' most effective answer came on the pitch.

The forward's shot was saved with Diaz turning home the rebound to tie the game at 2-2, before he helped engineer Madrid's winner on the night.

Vinicius burst into the area, lofting the ball past the onrushing Ederson, with Bellingham able to turn home from close range.

"I saw the banner, but whenever opposition fans do things (like that) it gives me more strength to have a great game, and here I did that," Vinicius told Movistar.

"They know our history, everything we've done in this competition."

It was not a vintage Vinicius display, although his persistent probing down the left was still enough to earn the man of the match award.

Not someone to let something go, Vinicius will be scenting blood in the second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu next Wednesday, although he said the team comes above individuals.

"It doesn't matter who scores the goals or is the MVP, we're here to do great things for this shirt and put Madrid on the highest rung possible," he continued.

"There's a long way to go in the second leg, we have to defend how we defended today and our fans have to be with us to make a magical night."

H.Hayashi--JT