In a highly anticipated rematch of the 2023 Champions League final, Inter Milan held Manchester City to a 0-0 draw at the Etihad Stadium, denying the English champions a winning start in this season’s group stage.
The match saw both teams creating numerous chances, but Inter’s disciplined defense kept Pep Guardiola’s side at bay. City, despite dominating possession, struggled to break through Inter’s compact backline, with Erling Haaland missing key opportunities that could have secured his 100th goal for a European club.
Inter, dangerous on the counter, nearly took the lead through Henrikh Mkhitaryan, whose close-range shot soared over the bar late in the game. City midfielder Ilkay Gündogan also squandered two last-minute chances with headers that failed to find the net, much to the frustration of home fans.
Both teams exchanged attacking blows, but neither could find a decisive moment. City managed 22 shots to Inter’s 13, yet the two sides were evenly matched with just five shots on target each.
Pep Guardiola acknowledged the challenge posed by Inter, praising their defensive organization, while Inter’s manager, Simone Inzaghi, commended his squad’s performance against one of Europe’s top teams.
The result leaves both teams with a point in the opening group stage match, as they look ahead to their next European fixtures.
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