By In a rematch of last season’s UEFA Champions League final, Manchester City were held to a 0-0 draw by Inter Milan at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night, extending their unbeaten run in the competition to 24 matches over 90 minutes.
The highly anticipated clash failed to produce the expected fireworks, with both sides struggling to create clear-cut chances throughout the match. Inter’s Marcus Thuram, starting in place of the benched Lautaro Martinez, had the first notable attempt, forcing a routine save from City goalkeeper Ederson.
City’s prolific striker Erling Haaland was largely kept in check by Inter’s defense, managing only a tame header that posed no threat to Inter keeper Yann Sommer.
The hosts suffered a significant setback when midfield maestro Kevin De Bruyne was forced off at halftime with an apparent muscle injury. Phil Foden replaced the Belgian but struggled to make an immediate impact.
As the second half progressed, both managers made tactical changes in search of a breakthrough. Inter’s Simone Inzaghi introduced Martinez and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, while City’s Pep Guardiola reshuffled his attack.
The substitutions injected some life into the contest, with chances falling to both sides. Foden and Josko Gvardiol saw efforts saved by Sommer, while Mkhitaryan squandered Inter’s best opportunity, firing over from close range after being set up by Denzel Dumfries.
In the closing stages, Martinez and City’s Rodri both had attempts, but neither could find the quality needed to break the deadlock. City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan had a golden chance to win it late on but headed straight at Sommer from close range.
The result continues City’s recent struggles against Italian opposition, with the English champions having won just five of their last 14 such matches. For Inter, the draw represents a solid start to their Champions League campaign as they remain unbeaten this season.
Francesco Acerbi was named Man of the Match for his commanding performance in Inter’s defense, frustrating City’s potent attack throughout the evening.
