Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr turned pre-match taunts from Manchester City fans into motivation for a stellar performance, leading his team to a dramatic 3-2 win in the first leg of the Champions League play-offs.

The Brazilian winger, who finished behind City's Rodri in the Ballon d'Or rankings, used the banner mocking Real Madrid's protest as motivation to shine on the pitch. He got the last laugh indeed.

Manchester City Fans Mock Real Madrid with Rodri Banner

Rodri Banner: Vinicius Jr. Claps Back at Man City Fans Rodri Banner: Vinicius Jr. Claps Back at Man City Fans
Angel Martinez/Getty Images

Before kickoff at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester City supporters displayed a massive banner featuring Rodri kissing his Ballon d'Or trophy alongside the phrase, "Stop crying your heart out," BBC reports.

This was a clear jab at Real Madrid, who had previously boycotted the Ballon d'Or ceremony in protest, believing Vinicius Jr deserved the honor over the Spanish midfielder.

However, the last laugh belonged to Real Madrid. A last-minute goal from Jude Bellingham sealed a crucial away victory, setting up an intense second-leg showdown at the Santiago Bernabéu next week.

Vinicius Jr: 'That Banner Made Me Stronger'

Following the game, Vinicius Jr spoke to Movistar about how the hostile reception only strengthened his determination.

"I saw the banner. Whenever the opposing fans do things like that, they give me more strength to have a great game, and I did just that," Vinicius Jr said.

The Brazilian forward was instrumental in Real Madrid's attack, proving once again why he is one of the most exciting players in European football.

Real Madrid's Champions League Stint Continues

This match marked the fifth Champions League knockout meeting between the two clubs in the past six seasons, with Real Madrid consistently proving their pedigree in the competition.

Last season, they eliminated Manchester City in the quarter-finals via penalties before securing their record-extending 15th European title.

Vinicius Jr said that everyone knows their history in the football competition. Although it's always "cold," this time was different since they won, but they should still keep going, the young footballer added.

Bellingham's Clutch Moment Stuns Manchester City

Jude Bellingham once again flashed his ability to rise to the occasion, delivering a last-minute goal that silenced the Etihad crowd.

The English midfielder has built a reputation for scoring in high-pressure situations, most notably with his dramatic equalizer for England against Slovakia in the Euro 2024 Round of 16. Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti praised Bellingham's impact, calling it a "top game" for the young star.

"It was a big goal," Ancelotti told Amazon Prime. "He played a fantastic game and was always dangerous."

Bellingham, who now has 11 goals across all competitions this season, reflected on the dramatic win.

"It was a weird one. We played some of our best football of the season and ended up behind. I don't care what form City are in, they are still an unbelievable team," Bellingham said. "It's always tricky to play against them, and we finally took the chance at the end."

Real Madrid Eyes Semi-Final Spot in Second Leg

With a one-goal advantage, Real Madrid now prepares to host Manchester City at the Santiago Bernabéu, where their home crowd could provide the edge needed to advance.

At one point in time, Vinicius Jr admitted that the fire in playing football was slowly losing him because of racism. The winger cried during a conference with reporters, telling them that the abuses did not stop.