Manchester City’s Champions League campaign opened in frustrating fashion as they were held to a draw by impressive Inter Milan at Etihad Stadium.
Pep Guardiola’s side were never at their most fluent, not helped by an injury to Kevin de Bruyne that forced him off at half-time, but their Italian opponents were well worth their draw.
In a repeat of the 2023 Champions League final won by City in Istanbul, Inter showed superb organisation and attacking threat despite facing increased pressure in the second half.
Erling Haaland, seeking his 100th goal for the hosts, was largely kept quiet, and both sides had chances to make the breakthrough but were unable to capitalise.
Phil Foden, on as a second-half substitute for the injured De Bruyne, saw a shot saved by Inter keeper Yann Sommer, who also thwarted Josko Gvardiol.
Inter wasted many good situations, with former Manchester United defender Matteo Darmian choosing a flamboyant backheel when the shot was on, while another one-time Old Trafford star, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, fired over the top from close range, leaving coach Simone Inzaghi on his knees beating the turf in frustration.
But City went close to a dramatic late winner as Ilkay Gundogan headed straight at Sommer and then over the bar.
