Summary:
- Manchester City began the Champions League campaign with frustration, held to a draw by Inter Milan.
- Pep Guardiola’s side lacked fluency and dealt with an injury to Kevin de Bruyne that forced him off at half-time.
- City’s opponents proved to be well worth the draw.
Manchester City met a resolute Inter Milan at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday, kick-starting their Champions League campaign with a frustrating 0-0 draw.
In a repeat of the 2023 Champions League final, which City won, the Italians displayed excellent defensive organization and posed a consistent counter-attacking threat despite facing increased pressure in the second half.
No Fluency in the Game
Pep Guardiola’s side struggled to find their usual fluency, with an injury to Kevin de Bruyne forcing him off at halftime, raising concerns ahead of their next Premier League fixture.
Despite increasing pressure in the second half, City were unable to break through, with Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer making crucial saves from Phil Foden and Josko Gvardiol.
Erling Haaland’s struggles to score his 100th goal for City were well-contained by Inter’s defense, and the Norwegian found himself frustrated, as he struggled to make an impact.
Guardiola commented after the match, saying they “faced a really difficult team” and adding he was
Still really, really satisfied for the game we played, especially with how [Inter] defended, they are masters of that.
First Goalless Match in 40 Champions League Home Group Games
Wednesday’s result also marked the first time in Man City’s history that they went 40 Champions League home group games without scoring.
The goalless result also marked the second time in two and half years the side failed to score at Etihad Stadium, with the other instance being the goalless draw played against Arsenal last season.
Following former Manchester United defender Matteo Darmian’s attempt at an ambitious backheel instead of a more straightforward shot, and Henrikh Mkhitaryan missing from close range, Inter coach Simone Inzaghi was seen expressing frustration regarding the missed opportunities through a series of animated reactions on the touchline.
Inzaghi was, however, ultimately pleased with his team’s performance.
I said well done to them, they put in a giant performance
“We Tried to Use the Spaces.”
City had late chances, particularly through substitute Ilkay Gundogan, who saw two headed efforts saved by Sommer. Foden also tested the Inter keeper in the closing stages, but City couldn’t find a way past the resolute Italian side.
Guardiola said,
We tried to use the spaces, that is why Gundogan had a couple of chances. I knew Inter would play like that – credit to them. We created a couple of really clear opportunities but we didn’t score.
While the goalless draw is a rare home blank for City, the extended group stage format of this season’s Champions League means the result is unlikely to derail their campaign.
Man City is still confident in their quest for a second Champions League title, knowing they can overcome this early setback.
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