Vinícius Júnior Explains “Crying” Celebration After Real Madrid Beat Manchester City

• Vinícius Júnior said his celebration was a response to a banner from Manchester City F.C. fans last season.
• Real Madrid C.F. defeated City 2-1 on the night to progress 5-1 on aggregate in the UEFA Champions League.
• Vinícius scored twice, including a penalty, to send Madrid into the quarterfinals.

Vinícius Júnior said his “crying” celebration during Real Madrid’s win over Manchester City was aimed at supporters who had mocked him previously.

The Brazilian forward scored twice in a 2-1 victory at the Etihad Stadium as Real Madrid advanced comfortably to the Champions League quarterfinals.

After converting a first-half penalty, Vinícius celebrated by making a prolonged crying gesture, referencing a banner displayed by City fans during a previous meeting between the teams.

“Football is good like that, there’s always another opportunity,” Vinícius said.

“We’ve won here and we’re into the quarterfinals.”

The banner, shown in 2025, featured Rodri holding the Ballon d’Or and included the message “stop crying your heart out” after he finished ahead of Vinícius in the voting.

Vinícius responded emphatically on the pitch, sending Gianluigi Donnarumma the wrong way from the penalty spot before adding a second goal in stoppage time.

He later gestured “4-0” towards the crowd, reflecting Madrid’s aggregate lead during the match.

“It’s a very important game for our confidence,” he said.

“We were clear what we had to do, work hard and take our chances.”

Vinícius revealed he had initially wanted Federico Valverde to take the penalty, following his miss in the first leg.

“I told him to take it again today, but he gave me confidence as the captain,” Vinícius said.

“I was able to score and help the team.”

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was substituted at half-time and replaced by Andriy Lunin, although head coach Álvaro Arbeloa later said the change was precautionary.

Madrid will now turn their attention to a domestic clash with Atlético Madrid in LaLiga.