This is exactly what UEFA thought when reforming the Champions League. The two top teams will meet in the first matches instead of waiting for the knockout round to have the best matches. The only thing missing from Manchester City's 0-0 draw with Inter Milan was a goal.
Former Manchester United midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan came off the bench and shot over the bar in Inter's best chance. It was such a good opportunity that coach Simone Inzaghi slouched down the pitch and punched down the pitch.
The visitors did not have many clear chances like that at the Etihad and they almost paid the price for their waste. Ilkay Gundogan had two dangerous close-range headers in the final minutes.
Finally, 466 days after the 2023 Champions League final in Istanbul, both Inzaghi and Pep Guardiola can confirm that their team should have won. Of course, they also sighed a sigh of relief because the home team had not lost.
"We played very well. I love my team, we are a great team. Inter are a very good defensive team. They are also masters of defense and conversion" - Guardiola said after the match.
The Citizens have not lost a Champions League group stage match at the Etihad since a 1-2 defeat to Lyon 6 years ago. Under Guardiola, they have had a habit of going beyond group stage matches and quickly shifting their attention to the knockout round.
Therefore, the draw against Inter is a reminder for Man City that this new group stage will be much more complicated. The A representative Serie had a really good match not only in defense. They are the first team to have 10 or more shots in the first half of a Champions League match at the Etihad since AS Monaco in February 2017. It was no surprise that the final whistle blew at half-time, Guardiola quickly ran down the tunnel with a worried expression.
Guardiola's solution was to bring on Gundogan and Phil Foden to replace Kevin De Bruyne and Savinho. The Spaniard wants Man City to regain possession and create more chances. However, they still could not find a way into Inter's goal. This is only the second time in 42 home matches in the Champions League under Guardiola that Man City have failed to score.
"The players did very well. We know the quality of our opponents, but we played well and could hurt them in some situations.
We had to endure a little pressure in the second half, but Darmian and Mkhitaryan's chances could have turned into goals. I congratulate the players, now we will look forward" - the Inter coach said after the match.
The performance against Man City proved Inter's ability. They should be considered one of the championship candidates of the tournament. For Man City, the draw against Inter was not a disaster and no one doubted their strength.
"We wanted to win but I don't regret it because Inter Milan defended very well. It's not until October, so we're not at the top level yet," said Guardiola.
