MANCHESTER, UK: Inter Milan achieved a surprising 0-0 draw against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday, avenging their narrow defeat in the 2023 Champions League final.
The match was intense, with both teams failing to convert several opportunities. Manchester City struggled to penetrate Inter Milan’s robust defense, while Inter, effective on the counter-attack, was unable to capitalize on their chances.
Manchester City’s manager Pep Guardiola commended Inter’s defensive discipline, which made it challenging for City to create clear chances. Inter’s coach Simone Inzaghi expressed contentment with his team’s performance against the formidable Manchester City side.
City’s star striker, Erling Haaland, was unable to become the fastest player to score 100 goals for a European club, missing several first-half chances. Inter’s Henrikh Mkhitaryan also missed a late opportunity, shooting over the bar from close range.
City’s Ilkay Gundogan had two late headers, with one saved by Inter’s goalkeeper and the other going just over the bar. Despite City’s 22 shots to Inter’s 13, they managed only one more shot on target than their opponents.
City defender Ruben Dias described the match as intense and praised Inter as a top team. Guardiola acknowledged the draw, noting that with seven more games in the group stage, there is still time for City to advance.
The result was a setback for Manchester City, who are leading the Premier League with a perfect record after four matches. Inter Milan is currently third in Serie A. City captain Kevin De Bruyne sustained a potential injury in the first half and did not return for the second.
Manchester City will face Arsenal on Sunday in another crucial fixture. City, who won the 2023 Champions League by defeating Inter 1-0, were knocked out by Real Madrid in the quarter-finals last season, while Inter was eliminated by Atletico Madrid in the round of 16.
