Real Madrid star Vinícius Jr. enjoyed the last laugh on Tuesday, as Los Blancos put Manchester City to the sword at The Etihad.
Real of course marked their return to action a short time ago.
In the first leg of the Champions League playoff tie between the sides, Los Blancos made the trip to England, for a meeting with Pep Guardiola’s Man City.
It was the name of the aforementioned Vinícius which took its place front and centre in the headlines in the buildup to the clash, as the hosts’ fans revealed plans for a banner to be unveiled, poking fun at the Brazilian for missing out on the Ballon d’Or.
The banner at hand was in turn rolled out at The Etihad, accompanied by chants of ‘Where’s your Ballon d’Or?’ in Vinícius’ direction.
As alluded to above, though, when all was said and done on Tuesday, it was the Real Madrid standout who laughed last.
En route to a last-gasp 3-2 triumph for Carlo Ancelotti’s side, Vinícius was credited with a pair of assists, including one for Jude Bellingham’s injury-time winner.
The attacker, in turn, scooped Man of the Match honours, on another night to remember in Europe for the Spanish champions.
Conor Laird – GSFN
