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

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois shared a lighthearted joke during his postgame chat with the media when asked about the banner celebrating Rodri's Ballo

Real Madrid clinched a late winner to triumph 3-2 over Manchester City who had twice led and leave a stunned home crowd rapidly exiting the Etihad Stadium.

Pep Guardiola dismissed any theories that Manchester City harbour ill-feeling towards Real Madrid's Ballon d'Or boycott with a two-word verdict on the matter before their Champions League clash this week.

The Man City manager talked about the Brazilian star after the frustrating defeat against Real Madrid in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League play-off.

Real Madrid will visit the Etihad to take on Manchester City in the Champions League with a makeshift defensive line. Of the four players forming Ancelotti’s rearguard, only the left-back—either Fran García or Mendy—and Dani Carvajal will be in their natural positions.

Ahead of the game, a banner in the Man City end read "Stop crying your heart out" alongside an image of the Ballon d'Or trophy

Some Manchester City fans took a not-so-subtle dig at Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr during Tuesday's Champions League playoff game, displaying a banner showing City midfielder Rodri with the Ballon d'Or trophy beside the caption,