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Man City vs Inter Milan LIVE: Champions League result and reaction as hosts play out goalless draw

Manchester City 0-0 Inter Milan: Pep Guardiola’s side were frustrated by their Italian visitors

Harry Latham-Coyle
Wednesday 18 September 2024 17:30 EDT
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(Martin Rickett/PA Wire)

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Manchester City kicked off their Champions League campaign with a home stalemate against Inter Milan at the Etihad Stadium in a rematch of the 2023 final.

A tight affair left the hosts frustrated and unable, ultimately, to break down a strong defensive effort from the Italian side as Ilkay Gundogan squandered two late headed chances. Until then, Inter had looked largely calm and in control as they managed to stymie Manchester City in a 0-0 draw, continuing an unbeaten start to the season for the Milan club.

There was an injury worry for Pep Guardiola, though, as Kevin de Bruyne failed to re-emerge after the interval having appeared to sustain an issue late in the first half. The Premier League champions host likely title rivals Arsenal on Sunday and could be without their captain.

Each side take a point apiece from their opening outing in this newly revamped tournament format. Each side will play an initial eight game, with the top eight in the league table automatically qualifying for the next round and a further 16 progressing to the play-off round.

Re-live all the action from the Etihad Stadium with our live blog below:

Manchester City 0-0 Inter Milan, 50 minutes

The crowd is again quiet at the start of this second half, having been muted throughout most of the first. Inter Milan look very secure in their shape.

Harry Latham-Coyle18 September 2024 21:07

Manchester City 0-0 Inter Milan, 47 minutes

Pep Guardiola will certainly hope that Kevin de Bruyne’s injury is not serious, though this sort of situation is perhaps partly exactly why he brought Ilkay Gundogan back to the club. The German is immediately on the ball orchestrating, helping to open an opportunity for Phil Foden to curl at goal from 25 yards. A little high, a little wide, but not too far away at all.

Harry Latham-Coyle18 September 2024 21:05

Manchester City 0-0 Inter Milan, 46 minutes

It appears, at least initially, as if Phil Foden is playing inside Bernardo Silva, who has taken up the position vacated by Savinho out on the right wing.

Harry Latham-Coyle18 September 2024 21:03

Second half...

The players re-emerge, with Manchester City preparing to make a couple of half-time switches. Kevin de Bruyne has not recovered from that injury, and Savinho is also off; on come Ilkay Gundogan and Phil Foden.

Harry Latham-Coyle18 September 2024 21:01

HT: Manchester City 0-0 Inter Milan

Quite a quiet half, which reflects how well Inter have done. Erling Haaland has had a couple of efforts, but City have not been dominant. Marcus Thuram looks a threat on the break and Simone Inzaghi’s midfield have been deployed intelligently, not trying to compete with City for possession but excellent off the ball and with fine movement on it.

(Getty Images)
Richard Jolly at the Etihad Stadium18 September 2024 20:49

HT: Manchester City 0-0 Inter Milan

(Getty Images)
Harry Latham-Coyle18 September 2024 20:47

Manchester City 0-0 Inter Milan, 45 + 1 minutes

Into a minute of added time and Ederson makes a sharp save with his feet from Carlos Augusto. Inter Milan continue to provide threat on the counter-attack.

A set-piece routine is rather less threatening as Nicolo Barella troubles only the pigeons in the rafters. That’s your lot for the first half.

Harry Latham-Coyle18 September 2024 20:47

Manchester City 0-0 Inter Milan, 43 minutes

Good save! Inter MIlan give the ball away in their own final third and Yann Sommer is forced to come rushing out to shut down the space available to Kevin de Bruyne. Hakan Calhanoglu may have got a touch, too, as he backtracks.

This is a worry for the hosts, though - De Bruyne is grabbing at an injury of some kind after limping away after releasing that shot. Ilkay Gundogan is scrambled to warm-up, though Pep Guardiola may wait to see how his captain is at the interval.

Harry Latham-Coyle18 September 2024 20:44

Manchester City 0-0 Inter Milan, 42 minutes

Hands on head for Marcus Thuram as he passes up a fine opportunity! The ball comes quickly to the forward on the edge of the box and it is more heel than the side or instep of his foot with which he tries to place it. Neither side can quite find their finishing boots.

Harry Latham-Coyle18 September 2024 20:42

Manchester City 0-0 Inter Milan, 40 minutes

A glimpse of a chance for Rico Lewis, trying to take and pivot in one motion from Savinho’s inward pass but not quite managing to gather fully. Inter Milan pincer him.

Harry Latham-Coyle18 September 2024 20:40

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