In the last three seasons, Manchester City and Real Madrid have built a fierce rivalry. The two clubs have faced off in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals each year. Real Madrid knocked out City twice, in the 2021/22 season and the previous one. However, Pep Guardiola’s team avenged those losses with a dominant victory over Madrid in the 2022/23 semi-finals, going on to win the treble. It’s been an unforgettable rivalry on the field.
However, a new chapter in the rivalry between the two clubs may have been written last night. Rodri edged out Vinicius Junior to win the Ballon d’Or. Real Madrid’s response to Rodri’s victory could give Manchester City added motivation if they face the reigning European champions this season. This might be an unintended result of Real Madrid’s reaction to Rodri’s Ballon d’Or win over Vinicius Junior.
When Fabrizio Romano tweeted that no one from Real Madrid would be attending last night’s Ballon d’Or ceremony, it became clear Rodri was set to win the 2024 Ballon d’Or. Rodri’s victory was well-deserved and hard to argue against, except by those linked to Real Madrid. However, Real Madrid has disputed it. Their players’ reactions on social media reveal their displeasure with Rodri’s win. Even Vinicius Junior’s response showed a lack of respect for the Ballon d’Or winner. This reaction could give Manchester City added motivation if the two clubs face off this season.
Real Madrid’s Response Could Motivate the World Champions
It should be noted that Real Madrid’s response to Rodri’s Ballon d’Or win doesn’t seem to be directly aimed at Manchester City or Rodri. Real Madrid likely has their own reasons for boycotting the Ballon d’Or ceremony last night, and that’s something they can clarify. However, throughout the rivalry between the two clubs, matches have often been decided by small margins. Inadvertently, the La Liga champions may have given Manchester City an opportunity to capitalize on.
Real Madrid’s choice to boycott the Ballon d’Or seems disrespectful to Rodri and his outstanding season that earned him the award. This disrespect could play into Pep Guardiola’s hands if the two teams face off in the UEFA Champions League this season. When asked about Real Madrid’s snub of the Ballon d’Or ceremony, Guardiola avoided the topic. Speaking ahead of Manchester City’s Carabao Cup match with Tottenham, he told reporters: “Nothing to say. They want to go, it’s fine, they don’t, it’s fine. They want to congratulate, it’s fine, they don’t, it’s fine. Absolutely, we are not here to judge what other clubs decide what they have to do…”
Behind the scenes, Real Madrid’s decision to snub the Ballon d’Or ceremony could potentially serve as extra motivation for Manchester City if the two clubs face off this season. Although Pep Guardiola would never openly admit to using this as a motivational tool, it’s hard to ignore the possibility that Real Madrid’s actions could spark an even greater drive within City’s squad. Guardiola is known for keeping his strategies and keeping feelings in control, particularly in relation to matters involving rival teams. Publicly, he would maintain a neutral stance, but privately, the snub might provide City with the fuel to prove a point when they meet Madrid in the future.
Moreover, this situation adds another layer to the already intense rivalry between the two clubs. Real Madrid’s handling of the Ballon d’Or, particularly their refusal to attend the ceremony, could be seen as a sign of frustration or a direct challenge to Rodri’s deserved win. While they may have their reasons for the boycott, it’s clear that their reaction has sparked controversy. For Manchester City, especially with players like Rodri leading the charge, this could be the perfect opportunity to channel that frustration into motivation on the pitch. Only time will tell if this added incentive will be important in their upcoming meeting with the Spanish giants.
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