Manchester City’s pursuit to reclaim the Champions League commenced with an underwhelming start on Wednesday, as Inter Milan successfully secured a 0-0 draw at the Etihad Stadium.
One of the key advantages of the newly expanded Champions League format is the increased frequency of matches between the continent’s most prestigious teams prior to the knockout phase. This modification aims to enhance the overall quality and excitement of the competition.
Man City Played To A Draw Against Inter Milan In Champions League Stalemate
The 2023 final rematch between Manchester City and Inter Milan, which City won 1-0, failed to generate much excitement. However, Inter believes they missed an opportunity to inflict Manchester City’s first home defeat in European competition in six years under Pep Guardiola’s management.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan blazed over the best chance of the match 15 minutes from time.
City have started the defence of their Premier League title in relentless fashion with four consecutive wins but failed to hit their stride as Inter comfortably held out.
Rodri, who scored the winning goal when the sides met in Istanbul 15 months ago, was restored to the City starting line-up for the first time this season after his exertions in helping Spain to win Euro 2024.
Despite his presence, Inter were composed in possession as they often pierced the City press but were lacking in composure in the final third to take advantage.
Simone Inzaghi left captain Lautaro Martinez on the bench with Mehdi Taremi and Marcus Thuram preferred up front.
Thuram had the visitors’ best sight of goal in the first half but sidefooted wide from the edge of the box.
At the other end, Erling Haaland was finding Inter a far harder nut to crack than he has faced in scoring nine times in four Premier League games this season.
The Norwegian came closest to breaking the deadlock before half-time with a low effort that flew inches past the post with Yann Sommer stranded.
City face Arsenal in a top-of-the-table Premier League clash on Sunday and were dealt a blow just before half-time when Kevin De Bruyne limped away after his attempted cross was blocked behind by Sommer.
The Belgian was replaced at the break, along with Savinho, as Guardiola called on Ilkay Gundogan and Phil Foden to inject some verve into the City attack.
However, the cagey pattern continued with few chances for either side.
Matteo Darmian spurned a rare opening when he overhit a backheel trying to find Nicolo Barella, provoking a wild outburst of frustration from his manager.
City’s abundance of attacking talent finally sparked into life when an intricate move involving Jack Grealish and Gundogan teed up Foden, who forced Sommer into his first meaningful save 20 minutes from time.
Inter then nearly capped a mature away performance with the telling blow.
Denzel Dumfries galloped clear down the right and his deflected cross fell perfectly into the path of former Manchester United man Mkhitaryan, who failed to hit the target.
Sommer was called into action once more to repel Josko Gvardiol’s effort from the edge of the box.
Gundogan then had the chance to snatch victory with the final touch of the game when he headed over Jeremy Doku’s cross.
But neither team could say they played well enough to win the game. So, the game ended in a tie.