Ancelotti opens up about Vini Jr. reaction to Man City fans mockery | OneFootball

Carlo Ancelotti is unsure Vini Jr saw the giant banner Man City fans put before a Champions League meeting at the Etihad Stadium, ‘but if he did, it was a great motivation for him.’

Real Madrid secured a memorable 3-2 victory over Manchester City on Tuesday in the first leg of the Champions League knockout playoff.

Man City fans welcomed the Merengues’ star Vini Jr. with a giant banner displaying Rodri holding the Ballon d’Or and a message: ‘Strop crying your heart out.’

Real Madrid did not attend the Ballon d’Or ceremony in October because they thought their Brazilian ace deserved to win the award.

Ancelotti was asked after the match if Vini Jr had seen the banner.

“I don’t know if Vinicius saw it while watching the game, but if he did, it was a great motivation for him,” the Italian tactician replied, smiling via Mario Cortegana.

“He has always been very dangerous, all four of them.”

In his post-match interview with Sky Sport Italia, Ancelotti added: “I don’t think we deserved to be a goal down, as we had played very well. We were more solid defensively and have a lot of quality going forward, all four were very inspired today and we created many scoring opportunities.

“I think in emergency situations, this team drags unknown strengths out of itself. We saw already last season the two centre-backs got injured, we managed to cover that with great spirit.

“It is a special competition for us, the history and tradition speaks clearly, and the players sense that special feeling. It was a performance we haven’t seen many times this season, but hopefully it is just the start.”

Kylian Mbappé scored a volley goal to level the score in the second half, he seemed lucky that the ball went in, but Ancelotti had no doubt: “I’m sure Mbappe meant to kick it like that!”