Manchester City faced Internazionale in their UEFA Champions League opener, resulting in a frustrating 0-0 draw at home for Pep Guardiola’s side. Despite Erling Haaland’s quest to reach 100 goals for the club quickly, he remained stuck on 99 as the Italian champions proved to be a tough challenge. Inter missed several opportunities to score, with Marcus Thuram, Matteo Darmian, and Henrikh Mkhitaryan all squandering good chances. City struggled against Inter’s solid defense, with substitutes Phil Foden and Ilkay Gundogan coming closest to scoring for the hosts. The match also saw Kevin De Bruyne leave the field at halftime due to an injury, raising concerns ahead of their upcoming game against Arsenal.
Inter Milan’s performance was highlighted by midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu, who was instrumental in their attacks and displayed strong defensive skills. Notably, Calhanoglu made a crucial block to prevent a City goal in the first half. The entire Inter team showcased a commendable work ethic that made City look ordinary for long periods of the match. Despite the draw, both teams remain among the favorites for the Champions League title. Guardiola will be looking for a quick return to form from his team as they prepare to face Arsenal in a crucial league match over the weekend.
While the draw may not significantly impact the Champions League campaign for either team, it was a valuable test for Manchester City against a strong Inter side. The Italian champions, who won the Serie A title last season, executed a near-perfect gameplan to stifle City’s attacking threats. Inter will be pleased with their defensive display but may rue missed chances to secure a victory. Guardiola will be focused on regaining momentum and finding form ahead of the clash with Arsenal, who are expected to be their main competitors for the Premier League title this season.
Key moments in the match included missed opportunities for both teams, with Matteo Darmian failing to capitalize on a promising chance for Inter and Phil Foden squandering a clear opportunity for City. Henrikh Mkhitaryan also missed a good chance for the visitors late in the game. Inter’s goalkeeper, Sommer, made crucial saves to deny City’s attempts, including a header from Gundogan. Despite the goalless draw, the match provided intense moments and showcased the competitive nature of both teams.
Looking ahead, Manchester City will be aiming to bounce back from the draw as they face Arsenal in a top of the table clash in the Premier League. Inter Milan, on the other hand, will take on AC Milan in Serie A. With over 500 matches from the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League set to be shown on TNT Sports during the 2024-25 season, football fans can enjoy the action on discovery+. The streaming platform offers a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport, and entertainment content in one convenient destination for viewers in the UK.
