Pep Guardiola admitted a pre-match banner from Manchester City fans could have provided extra motivation for Vinicius Junior. A huge tifo was unfurled by the home fans before the match, showing a picture of Rodri kissing the Ballon d’Or trophy alongside the caption: ‘Stop crying your heart out.’ That was a dig at Real Madrid and Vinicius, who snubbed the Ballon d’Or ceremony last year after finding out that Vinicius had finished behind Rodri in the voting. However, the Brazilian enjoyed a successful night at the Etihad Stadium as Real Madrid won the first leg of the Champions League play-off tie 3-2 and he was named man of the match. Asked for his opinion on the banner, Guardiola said: “I didn’t see it. “When they brought that out, I was inside, and I didn't see it, and I looked for it and I didn't see it! It wasn't there anymore when I came out.” The Man City boss added: “Perhaps it motivated him. He's an extraordinary player.” Vinicius’ shot was parried into the path of Brahim Diaz as Real made it 2-2 late in normal time, before the Brazilian then provided the assist as Jude Bellingham snatched victory in the 92nd minute. Jamie Carragher hit out at the “ridiculous” decision from City fans to display the banner, believing it was a mistake to do so ahead of the first leg. He told CBS: “It’s absolutely ridiculous. Why would you do that? “Do it at the end of the game if you’ve beaten them and knocked them out. Why are you getting involved in that? I don’t know what you get out of it.” Carragher posted sarcastically on X after the match: “Let’s wind Real Madrid up, even though we’ve still got to go to the Bernabeu next week.”