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.

Manchester City's Rodri claimed the Ballon d'Or, leaving Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior in second place. On Tuesday, the two teams met in the Champions League, where the winger faced mockery from rival fans.

The Real Madrid man had the last laugh as his side came away with a 3-2 comeback win against Manchester City at the Etihad

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.