Not even Rico Lewis, a promising young player whose current limitations have been exposed during City’s GMT-wobbles and was ragdolled by Vinicius Jr. No, it was the City fans who were to blame for their side’s demise.

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.

Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr says the display of a banner highlighting Rodri's Ballon d'Or win before kick-off at Manchester City motivated him even more to win the Champions League play-off first leg.