Manchester City Held to Frustrating Draw by Inter Milan in Champions League Opener

Manchester City began their Champions League campaign with a 0-0 draw against a well-organized Inter Milan at the Etihad Stadium. In a rematch of the 2023 final, City struggled to break through Inter’s defense, with key player Kevin De Bruyne forced off at half-time due to injury. City manager Pep Guardiola confirmed he will consult the club’s medical staff to assess the extent of the injury.

Inter Milan, fresh from their runners-up finish last season, impressed with their defensive discipline and created dangerous counter-attacking opportunities. Despite City’s attempts to gain control, especially in the second half, they were unable to capitalize on their chances. Erling Haaland, who was chasing his 100th goal for City, was largely kept quiet by Inter’s defense, and substitute Phil Foden saw his shot saved by Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer.

Inter had their chances as well, with Matteo Darmian attempting an ambitious backheel and Henrikh Mkhitaryan firing over the bar from close range. Inter manager Simone Inzaghi was visibly frustrated on the sidelines as his team missed several promising opportunities.

Guardiola acknowledged the difficulty of the match, noting, “We faced a really difficult team… they are masters of [defending], and you cannot expect to create a lot of chances.” He remained optimistic despite the result, praising Inter’s defensive structure.

The draw marked the first time in 40 Champions League home group games that City failed to score, a rare occurrence at the Etihad. City will now turn their attention to an upcoming Premier League clash against Arsenal, with concerns over De Bruyne’s availability. Despite the setback, Guardiola took solace in the return of Foden, who nearly made the difference late in the match.

Meanwhile, Inter coach Simone Inzaghi, a lively presence on the touchline, was relieved with the draw and praised his team’s performance. Inter’s strong defensive display and counter-attacking potential suggest they will remain a formidable opponent in this year’s tournament.