Inter Milan held Man City to a goalless draw at the Etihad on Sept 18, marking the start of City’s Champions League campaign.
New Champions League Format Increases Top Team Matchups
One of the key features of the new expanded Champions League format was to increase the frequency of matches between the top teams from across the continent before the knockout stage.
A repeat of the 2023 final, which City won 1-0, failed to generate much excitement. However, Inter will feel that they could have handed Pep Guardiola’s men their first home defeat in Europe in six years.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan missed the match’s best chance, blazing over the goal 15 minutes before the end of the game.
Manchester City Struggles Despite Strong Premier League Start
Man City has kicked off their Premier League title defense with four straight wins but struggled as Inter Milan comfortably held out.
After his efforts in helping Spain win Euro 2024, Rodri, who scored the game-winning goal when the teams met in Istanbul 15 months ago was added back to the City starting lineup for the first time this season.
Inter Milan’s Composure Tested Against City’s Press
Despite his presence, Inter Milan was composed in possession and often pierced the Man City press, but they lacked composure in the final third to take advantage.
Simone Inzaghi chose to leave captain Lautaro Martinez on the bench while selecting Mehdi Taremi and Marcus Thuram to play up front.
Thuram had the best chance for the visitors in the first half but missed wide from the edge of the box with a sidefoot.
At the other end, Erling Haaland found Inter to be a tougher opponent compared to the ones he faced while scoring nine times in four Premier League games this season.
The Norwegian came closest to scoring before half-time with a low shot that just missed the post, leaving Yann Sommer stranded.
Kevin De Bruyne’s Injury Adds Concern for Manchester City
City faced Arsenal in a top-of-the-table Premier League clash on September 22. They were dealt a blow just before half-time when Kevin De Bruyne limped away after his attempted cross was blocked by Sommer.
Gundogan and Foden Bring Energy to City’s Attack in the Second Half
Ilkay Gundogan and Phil Foden replaced the Belgian and Savinho at half-time, as Guardiola sought to add energy to the City attack.
The cautious pattern persisted with few opportunities for either team.
Matteo Darmian missed a rare opportunity by overhitting a backheel pass to Nicolo Barella, causing his manager to express frustration.
Sommer and Inter Milan’s Defense Hold Firm
City’s attacking prowess came to life as an intricate play between Jack Grealish and Gundogan set up Foden, who forced Sommer into his first meaningful save 20 minutes from time.
Inter then almost sealed a mature away performance with a decisive goal.
Mkhitaryan Misses Another Chance to Seal the Game for Inter
Dumfries sprinted down the right and his deflected cross found Mkhitaryan, who missed the target.
Sommer was once again called into action to block Josko Gvardiol’s shot from the edge of the box.
Gundogan had the opportunity to win the game with a header over Jeremy Doku’s cross at the last moment.
But neither side could argue they had done enough to deserve all three points, so the honours were even.
Holabet News is your trusted online betting site in Singapore. Your winning journey starts here!