Real Madrid forward riled up the crowd at the Etihad with crying gestures after scoring against City
Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma has questioned Vinicius Junior’s goal celebrations after scoring in Real Madrid’s victory in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 game.
Madrid won 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium to complete a dominant 5-1 aggregate win with Vinicius both goals in the second leg. The Brazilian opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the first half before adding another in stoppage time, but it was his celebrations that drew attention.
Following his goals, Vinicius stood in front of home supporters and made crying gestures towards City supporters, which Donnarumma did not appreciate. The Italian wants him to stop unnecessarily upsetting crowds. Vinicius has fallen out with crowds in several stadiums across La Liga and also faced the ire of Benfica supporters in Portugal during this season’s Champions League playoffs.
“He’s a champion and should be loved by everyone,” Donnarumma said. “I told him that. He’s played two great games but I think someone like him should be loved by everyone. He should try to make everyone love him because he’s a champion.”
Vinícius said his crying celebration had been a riposte to a banner displayed by City supporters during a previous meeting between the two clubs. The sign apparently mocked the forward for missing out on the 2024 Ballon d’Or to Rodri and then angrily boycotting the ceremony.
“Football is good like that, there’s always another opportunity,” Vinicius said. “We’ve won here and we’re into the quarterfinals.”
