Football feeds off the rivarly narrative, and if Manchester City against Real Madrid is not a traditional battle, their encounters over recent years have certainly stoked passions. The Etihad did

Manchester City fans taunted Real Madrid and Vinicius Junior ahead of their Champions League playoff on Tuesday by unfurling a giant banner of Rodri kissing the Ballon d'Or. The Spain midfielder was voted the best player in the world last year ahead of Madrid forward Vinicius.

Pep Guardiola says Manchester City have drawn a line under the Ballon d'Or controversy with Real Madrid ahead of their Champions League showdown.

Manchester City fans taunted Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr with a banner showing Rodri clutching the Ballon d’Or during the two sides’ Champions League clash. Manchester City hosted the first leg of a heavyweight play-off tie at the Etihad Stadium as two potential tournament contenders look to preserve their place in the competition.

Vinicius Junior had the last laugh in Real Madrid's Champions League clash against Manchester City, whose fans unfurled a large Ballon d'Or banner before the game.

Vinícius Júnior said a banner from Man City fans -- backing Rodri in their Ballon d'Or dispute - helped inspire him in Real Madrid's 3-2 comeback win.

Vinicius Junior - Man City fans displayed a picture of Rodri kissing the trophy with the message ‘Stop crying your heart out’, mocking Real’s boycott of the ceremony.

Vinícius Jr revealed that a pre-match banner celebrating Rodri’s Ballon d’Or win gave him extra motivation to help Real Madrid secure a dramatic 3-2 victory over Manchester City in their Champions League play-off first leg.