Jamie Carragher slammed Manchester City’s “absolutely ridiculous” tifo mocking Real Madrid over Rodi’s Ballon d’Or triumph. The Spanish giants famously boycotted last year’s ceremony after learning that Vinicius Junior had been pipped to the award by City star Rodri.
Furious Real were heavily criticised for the move, with City icon Sergio Aguero labelling them “entitled.” Ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League clash between the two clubs, City fans unveiled a tifo featuring Rodri kissing the Ballon d’Or and the Oasis lyrics: “Stop crying your heart out.”
Los Blancos went on to come from behind twice and seal a dramatic 3-2 victory, with Jude Bellingham scoring the winner in added time. Forward Vinicius was excellent, prompting Pep Guardiola to confess that the Brazilian was perhaps motivated by City’s banner.
Carragher could not understand why the tifo was revealed before the match, pointing out that there remains a long way to go in the tie and that it could tempt fate. City head to Madrid for the second leg next week.
The Liverpool icon said on CBS Sports: “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 then sarcastically posted on X: “Let’s wind Real Madrid up, even though we’ve still got to go to the Bernabeu next week.”
Guardiola insisted that he did not see the banner but admitted that it might have motivated Vinicius.
“I didn’t see it,” the City boss said. “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.”
Asked about Vinicius’ performance, Guardiola added: “Perhaps it motivated him. He’s an extraordinary player.”
Rodri, who remains sidelined with an ACL injury, was seen filming the banner ahead of kick-off. His absence has played a part in City’s underwhelming form this season.
Real fought back from 1-0 and 2-1 down at the Etihad Stadium. Former City prospect Brahim Diaz equalised before England star Bellingham slid home to clinch a remarkable victory.
City must now overhaul a 3-2 aggregate lead in Spain next week. Before that, they face a tough Premier League fixture against in-form Newcastle at home.
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