Man City boss Guardiola lauds Inter Milan’s defensive wall as Haaland misses chance to break Ronaldo’s record

Pep Guardiola offered a mix of admiration and frustration as his Manchester City side were held to a 0-0 draw by a defensively resolute Inter Milan in their 2024-25 Champions League opener at the Etihad Stadium, Soccernet.football reports.

City dominated possession and peppered the Inter goal with chances, but the Italian champions, known for their attacking style in Serie A, opted for a more defensive approach.

Guardiola acknowledged Inter’s impressive ability to thwart his team, while also suggesting it was far from their usual style.

“I have the utmost consideration for the team [Inter]. I admire what they do so much. They know how to defend with 11 players,” Guardiola said as per FootballItalia.

“But when they play in Italy, against other teams that sit deep, they do so well, running into the spaces with the wingers, two strikers, plus Mkhitaryan, Barella, Zielinski, and Frattesi.”

Despite creating clear chances, City were unable to find a way past Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer, and Erling Haaland in particular struggled to make his mark.

A goal on the night would have seen Haaland break Cristiano Ronaldo’s record for the fewest games needed to score 100 goals for one club.

Haaland sits on 99 goals in 104 games for City, with Ronaldo’s record standing at 100 in 105 games for Real Madrid.

When asked if Francesco Acerbi’s man-marking was responsible for Haaland’s quiet night, Guardiola responded sharply. “One man? I saw six. Three close to him and three in front of him. It’s difficult for everyone, for any player in the world.”

Guardiola also praised Inter for their physicality and structure, which made it difficult for City to find space, despite efforts from Ilkay Gundogan and Phil Foden.

“Double credit to them for the way they defend. We had some clear chances, but unfortunately, we couldn’t score. Sommer is an exceptional keeper, and it’s fine anyway.”

Haaland now has one more opportunity to match Ronaldo’s record when City face Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday.