MANCHESTER, Sept 19 — Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi praised his team for a “giant performance” that led to a frustrating 0-0 draw against Manchester City in their Champions League opener yesterday.
The new expanded Champions League format aims to showcase elite teams more frequently before the knockout stages. Although this match was a rematch of the 2023 final, which City won 1-0, it failed to ignite much excitement. However, Inter will feel they missed a chance to hand Pep Guardiola's side their first home European defeat in six years.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan squandered the best opportunity of the game when he shot over the bar with 15 minutes remaining. Inzaghi expressed pride in his team’s performance, stating, “I told the players 'well done' in the dressing room. They delivered a giant performance.”
Inzaghi acknowledged Manchester City's prowess, particularly at home, but was disappointed that Mkhitaryan missed his chance.
Manchester City, who have started their Premier League title defense with four consecutive wins, struggled to find their rhythm as Inter effectively neutralized their attack. Guardiola praised Inter's performance, saying, “We would love to win and create more chances, but the opponent was exceptional. I liked everything from my team today. We still have seven games left in the group stage.” Rodri returned to City’s starting lineup after his role in Spain’s Euro 2024 victory, but despite his presence, Inter managed to resist City’s attacking efforts. Marcus Thuram had the best chance for Inter in the first half but missed from the edge of the box.
Erling Haaland, who has been prolific in the Premier League, found Inter’s defense more challenging than usual. His closest attempt before halftime was a low shot that narrowly missed the post.
City faced a setback just before halftime when Kevin De Bruyne limped off after his cross was blocked. De Bruyne was substituted at the break, along with Savinho, with Ilkay Gundogan and Phil Foden coming on to boost City’s attack.
Despite a more dynamic attack in the second half, City struggled to break down Inter’s defense. Foden forced a significant save from Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer, but the game remained cagey.
Inter nearly capitalized on a mature away performance when Denzel Dumfries’s deflected cross found Mkhitaryan, who again missed the target. City almost secured a late victory when Gundogan’s header went over the bar from Jeremy Doku’s cross.
Ultimately, neither side managed to claim all three points as the match ended in a goalless draw.
