Manchester City’s Champions League campaign began in frustrating fashion as they were held to a goalless draw by an impressive Inter Milan at the Etihad Stadium.
City struggled to find their rhythm and were left to cope with an injury to Kevin de Bruyne, who was forced off at halftime. Manager Pep Guardiola noted he needed to consult with the club’s doctors to assess the extent of the injury.
In a match reminiscent of the 2023 Champions League final, which City won, Inter showcased their organization and attacking prowess despite facing relentless pressure in the second half. However, City’s Erling Haaland was largely kept quiet, making it difficult for them to capitalize on their chances.
Phil Foden, brought on as a substitute for De Bruyne, had a close chance saved by Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer. Meanwhile, Inter wasted several scoring opportunities, including a notable miss from Henrikh Mkhitaryan, leaving coach Simone Inzaghi visibly frustrated.
City’s Missed Opportunities
Despite having their chances, City failed to score for the first time in 40 Champions League home group games. This match marked a significant moment, as it was only the second time they have not found the net at the Etihad Stadium in two and a half years, the previous instance being a goalless draw against Arsenal last season.
Substitute Ilkay Gundogan missed two golden opportunities late in the game, first sending a header directly at Sommer and then heading over when the goal seemed open.
Guardiola acknowledged the challenges faced by his team, describing how Inter “compressed” the space around Haaland and noted, “We created a couple of really clear opportunities but didn’t score.”
Inzaghi’s Animated Sideline Presence
Inter Milan’s coach Simone Inzaghi was an engaging presence on the touchline, visibly invested in every moment of the match. His animated reactions included frustration when Mkhitaryan squandered a clear chance, highlighting both his passion and the high stakes of the match.
“I said well done to them; they put in a giant performance,” Inzaghi remarked post-match, acknowledging his team’s resilience.
Although Inter are considered underdogs in the tournament, their performance demonstrated that they are not to be taken lightly.
As City prepares for a vital Premier League showdown against Arsenal, questions about their ability to execute in high-pressure situations will linger. For now, they will aim to bounce back following this unexpected setback in their Champions League ambitions.
Credit: BBC Sport
