Manchester City 0-0 Inter Milan: Simone Inzaghi’s team holds the home side to a draw in their Champions League debut.

**Manchester City Held to Frustrating Draw by Internazionale in Champions League Opener**

Manchester City faced a night of frustration as Pep Guardiola’s side kicked off their UEFA Champions League campaign with a goalless draw against Internazionale at the Etihad Stadium. The match, a repeat of the 2023 final, proved to be a stern test for the Premier League champions, who struggled to break down a resolute Inter defence.

Erling Haaland, the Norwegian striker who has been in sensational form this season, was unable to add to his tally of 99 goals for the club. His pursuit of Cristiano Ronaldo’s record for the quickest player to reach 100 goals for a club in just 105 games remains tantalisingly out of reach. Despite his efforts, Haaland’s 104th appearance in a City shirt ended in disappointment, as the visitors managed to secure a well-deserved point.

Inter Milan, the reigning Serie A champions, showcased their defensive prowess throughout the match. They could have even claimed all three points had they been more clinical in front of goal. Marcus Thuram, along with former Manchester United players Matteo Darmian and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, squandered several promising opportunities that could have changed the outcome of the game.

City, on the other hand, appeared subdued against a well-organised Inter side. Substitutes Phil Foden and Ilkay Gundogan came closest to breaking the deadlock for the hosts. However, the match was marred by an injury to Kevin De Bruyne, who was replaced at half-time, raising concerns ahead of their crucial clash against Arsenal this weekend.

Looking ahead, Manchester City will turn their attention to a top-of-the-table showdown against Arsenal on Sunday, while Inter will prepare for a local derby against AC Milan in Serie A.

**Talking Point – A Rare Off Night for Haaland and Co**

This encounter was always going to be a significant test for Guardiola’s men, especially given Inter’s impressive form in securing the Serie A title last season. While the Nerazzurri will be pleased with their defensive display that kept City and Haaland at bay, they will also feel they missed a golden opportunity to capitalise on their counter-attacking chances.

With the new format of the Champions League in play, it remains to be seen how this result will impact both teams as they aim for a deep run in the tournament. Guardiola will be eager for his side to bounce back quickly, particularly with the looming challenge of Arsenal, who are expected to be their main rivals for the Premier League crown once again this term.

**Player of the Match**

Hakan Calhanoglu (Inter Milan) was the standout performer, orchestrating some of Inter’s best attacking moves while also demonstrating exceptional defensive discipline. His remarkable block in the first half prevented what looked like a certain goal, epitomising the work ethic of an Inter side that made City’s attacking threats appear ordinary for long stretches of the match.

**Player Ratings**

*Manchester City:*
Ederson 7, Akanji 7, Dias 7, Gvardiol 7, Lewis 7, Rodri 7, Savio 7, Bernardo Silva 6, De Bruyne 6, Grealish 6, Haaland 6. Subs: Gundogan 7, Foden 7, Doku n/a.

*Internazionale:*
Sommer 7, Bisseck 7, Acerbi 7, Bastoni 7, Darmian 7, Barella 7, Calhanoglu 8, Zielinski 7, Carlos Augusto 7, Thuram 6, Taremi 7. Subs: Mkhitaryan 6, Lautaro Martinez 6, Dumfries 6, Pavard 6, Frattesi n/a.

**Match Highlights**

– **53’ – INTER MILAN CHANCE!** Darmian is played in after a lovely move on the left but delays his shot inside the area, backheeling to no one as City survive. Inzaghi is visibly frustrated on the touchline.

– **69’ – MAN CITY CHANCE!** Foden fires straight at Sommer from eight yards out after slick one-touch play from Gundogan and Grealish inside the box.

– **76’ – INTER MILAN CHANCE!** Mkhitaryan rifles a glorious first-time chance over the bar after a fine run and cross from Dumfries.

– **89’ – MAN CITY CHANCE!** Gundogan leaps unmarked to meet a left-wing cross but heads straight at Sommer.

– **90+4’ – MAN CITY CHANCE!** Gundogan flings himself at Doku’s right-wing cross but can only power his diving header over the bar.

**Key Stat**

Manchester City failed to score in a home Champions League match for the first time since 2018, highlighting the effectiveness of Inter’s defensive strategy.