Manchester City were held to a 0-0 draw by Inter in their opening Champions League match at the Etihad Stadium. It marks only the second time in 2024 that City have failed to score in a game, with the previous occasion being against Arsenal. Inter put on a solid defensive display, limiting City’s attacking options and keeping Erling Haaland largely quiet, allowing him only one real chance to score his 100th goal for the club, which he missed. Guardiola made two halftime changes, with De Bruyne and Savinho making way for Phil Foden and Ilkay Gündogan, as City pushed to find a breakthrough. However, Inter’s disciplined defensive structure ultimately earned them a valuable point away from home.
After the match, Pep Guardiola addressed several key points, including a question about whether he had attempted to sign Inter’s Alessandro Bastoni for Manchester City. The Spaniard quickly dismissed the rumours, stating, “That’s not true.”
Man City have failed to score in a match for the second time in 2024…
Last time it was Arsenal, now it's Inter Milan 👀#UCL pic.twitter.com/0FzVDgjRIH
— Amazon Prime Video Sport (@primevideosport) September 18, 2024
City now face an injury concern as star midfielder Kevin De Bruyne was subbed off at halftime due to an injury sustained late in the first period. Guardiola commented on De Bruyne’s condition, saying, “I’ll have more info on his conditions on Thursday. Back to face Arsenal? We’ll see from tomorrow.”
Inter defender Francesco Acerbi added some light-hearted humour to the post-match reactions, joking, “I’ve asked Erling Haaland for his shirt, but he didn’t give me… I’m kidding!” The Nerazzurri did an excellent job in containing the usually prolific striker throughout the match.