Could Real Madrid’s Ballon d’Or snub play into Manchester City’s hands? | OneFootball

When Rodri was named the winner of the Ballon d’Or in October last year, an interesting story developed before the award was announced. Real Madrid players and staff didn’t attend the Ballon d’Or ceremony. They didn’t attend due to their belief that Vinicius Junior should have won the award instead of Manchester City’s midfield general. Heading into tomorrow night’s meeting between Manchester City and Real Madrid you do now wonder if that show of disrespect could play into Manchester City’s hands.

As we have seen during the past three seasons the ties between Manchester City and Real Madrid have been won or defined by small margins. Matches between teams with the quality City and Real possess generally are. In a tie that appears to be so even both teams will be looking for any advantage over their rival. Perhaps Madrid’s Ballon d’Or snub can give Manchester City extra motivation. Then again maybe it won’t. But in a tie that could defined by small margins, you do wonder if Manchester City could use the snub of Rodri’s award to their advantage. We will know the answer to that in time.

READ MORE: Manchester City look to have a full squad available for Real Madrid clash.

Speaking ahead of tomorrow night’s match Pep Guardiola told the media there are no hard feelings towards Real Madrid from Manchester City. Guardiola’s thoughts on the situation can be seen below.

Real Madrid’s Ballon d’Or snub does add an interesting layer to the meeting between the two teams. It’s yet another storyline ahead of the blockbuster Champions League tie. Although Pep Guardiola won’t admit it you do wonder if Manchester City will seize upon it for extra motivation ahead of their meeting with the current European champions.