The Champions League Knockout phase is always a spectacle, but the collision between Manchester City and Real Madrid have taken their own life. The two European giants, who have met during each of the last four seasons, are set to another Blockbuster Playoff Encounter at Etihad Stadium. But even before kickoff, Mind -games have startedwith a city that prepares a reckless excavation on its Spanish rivals – specifically Vinicius.
This tie tips the winners of the last three Champions League titles Against each other. Real Madrid, crowned European champions in 2022 and 2024, will take on Manchester City, 2023 winners. The efforts could not be higher, as both clubs look to establish early dominance before the return leg at Santiago Bernabeu on February 19.
Madrid’s dramatic semi -final victory 2022, thanks Rodry’s late heroicsand the revenge of the city last season in one penalty kick has already cemented this fixture as one of the largest modern European rivalries. But this year there is a new twist to the tension.
City’s Banner: ‘Stop crying your heart’
Manchester City fans, known for their Calculated and sometimes brutal trollingare set to loosen a massive banner aimed at Vinicius and Real Madrid Just before kickoff. According to City Supporters ‘Group’ Weare1894‘, the banner will depict Rodri kisses Ballon d’O oraccompanied by the stinging caption: “Stop crying your heart.”
The phrase, a nick to the famous Oasis song, is a direct reference to Real Madrid’s furious reaction to last year’s Ballon d’or Result. The tension between the clubs intensified in 2023When Manchester City’s midfield talisman Rodri was assigned Ballon d’O orbeats Vinicius and Jude Bellingham to the prestigious price.
Real Madrid, to believe that Vinicius was robbedanswered with a never -before -seen feature of Boycott Ballon D’O or the ceremony completely. Consequently no Los Blancos Players or employee participated in the galasignaling their dissatisfaction. In addition, the club’s insiders publicly dismissed the prize credibility of the priceclaimed that Vinicius had been the real best player in the world and thus further expressed his frustration over the decision. All this did not go unnoticed in Manchester, and city fans have clearly been Waiting for their chance to answer.
Managers weigh in: Guardiola and Ancelotti address drama
Surprisingly, the Ballon d’O or debate has dominated discussions before the match. On the question of that, Pep Guardiola trifle all controversyDiplomatically says: “Happy for Rodri. Vinicius also had an extraordinary year. He deserved it. Just like Messi and Cristiano used to fight for it. The subject is over. “
In the meantime, Carlo Ancelotti stood at Madrid’s decision to boycott the eventsays: “I don’t think it was the wrong decision. We thought Vini was the winner of the Ballon d’Or. This does not mean that we do not respect Rodri. He is an amazing player. In my opinion, Rodri deserved to win that year before. “
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