Vinicius Junior scored a crucial penalty for Real Madrid in their Champions League clash against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, then celebrated with a gesture aimed at the home fans. The Brazilian forward converted from the spot after Bernardo Silva was sent off for handball, putting Madrid 1-0 up on the night and sealing a 5-1 aggregate victory.
The penalty was awarded after a lengthy VAR review. Vinicius had initially hit the post, and his rebound was cleared off the line by Silva, who was judged to have used his elbow. Referee Clement Turpin sent off the Manchester City midfielder and awarded the spot kick. Vinicius stepped up and sent Gianluigi Donnarumma the wrong way to score.
After scoring, Vinicius ran to the travelling fans before turning to the home supporters and mimicking a crying gesture. He was heavily booed by the City fans throughout the match. Speaking after the game, the 24-year-old explained that the celebration was a response to the City fans who unfurled a banner celebrating Rodri's Ballon d'Or win with the caption 'Stop Crying Your Heart Out' during a previous encounter. 'The last time we came here, the Manchester City fans were making fun of me,' Vinicius said. 'I wasn't disrespecting City fans, but it was a way for me to prove myself to them.'
Real Madrid advanced to the next round with a dominant 5-1 aggregate scoreline, following a first-leg hat-trick from Federico Valverde. Manchester City, who had Rayan Cherki and Rodri forcing saves from Thibaut Courtois, could not overturn the deficit and now face a Champions League round of 16 tie against Real Madrid on March 17.
