Manchester City began their Champions League campaign with a goalless draw against Inter Milan on Wednesday, marking a sluggish start to the tournament. Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain secured a last-minute 1-0 victory against Girona, a team making their European debut.
Pep Guardiola’s side, having won all four of their Premier League matches this season, failed to break down Serie A champions Inter, in a repeat of the 2023 final where City emerged victorious.
City were dealt a blow when Kevin De Bruyne was forced off due to injury at halftime. Despite their efforts, including Phil Foden’s shot saved by Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer, City could not capitalize on their chances. Star striker Erling Haaland, who was aiming for his 100th goal for the club, was kept at bay by Inter’s defense throughout the match.
“It was a very intense game against a strong opponent. We knew what was coming, they are a top team as well and they are used to winning, so we were not going to have an easy job,” City defender Ruben Dias told TNT Sports.
Inter had a significant opportunity to secure the win, but Henrikh Mkhitaryan missed the target 15 minutes from time. The draw extends City’s unbeaten run in the Champions League to 24 matches, just one short of Manchester United’s record between 2007 and 2009.
This is only the second time in 42 home Champions League matches under Guardiola that City have failed to score.
“Our plan was to show that we’re not scared to play here,” said Inter midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu.
Over in France, PSG faced Girona, a team supported by the City Football Group and known for challenging Real Madrid during the previous La Liga season. The match appeared headed for a draw until a 90th-minute goalkeeping error by Paulo Gazzaniga allowed Nuno Mendes’ cross to slip through his hands, securing PSG the win.
“It was a difficult game, they’re a team that plays well with the ball,” said Mendes to Canal Plus. “I was surprised (by the goal). The goalkeeper was there and it got through.”
Both City and PSG remain early contenders in the Champions League, but each faced challenges in their opening matches.
