THE Champions League will go into a THIRD night this week with Arsenal in action on Thursday night.
The Gunners travel to Atalanta in one of six games in the competition, which includes Barcelona.
On Wednesday, Man City were frustrated against Inter and failed to find the target, but Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic were absolutely rampant – scoring FIVE against Slovan Bratislava.
On Tuesday night, Liverpool got the better of Euro rivals AC Milan as they ran out 3-1 winners at the San Siro, Harry Kane netted FOUR in Bayern’s 9-2 win over Dinamo Zagreb – and Aston Villa ended their 41-year wait for elite European football with a 3-0 win at Young Boys.
- Kick off times: 5.45pm/8pm BST
- TV channel: TNT Sports
- Live stream: discovery+
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‘Impossible to stop Inter counter attacks’
Pep Guardiola claimed it was “impossible” to stop Inter Milan’s dangerous breaks – despite his tactical changes.
The Etihad boss blamed Manchester City giving away possession cheaply for the visitors’ menacing raids.
Guardiola said: “When you lose easy balls it is a counter attack, it’s impossible to stop it.
“You have to be more precise. It happened, especially on the left side. You cannot control it.”
Guardiola hails Rodri
Pep Guardiola praised anchorman Rodri’s display despite Man City lacking their usual control in a 0-0 stalemate with Inter.
Italy midfielder Nicolo Barella was a common choice as star man as his Serie A side earned a slick point.
But Guardiola said of his Spanish star: “He played really good, always Rodri plays good.”
Credit: Alamy ‘Massive respect’ to Inter
Pundits have queued up to praise Inter Milan’s tactical masterclass in their 0-0 Etihad draw.
Subs Phil Foden and Ilkay Gundogan missed clear second-half chances for City but Inter could equally have snatched victory as they produced the sharper counter-attacks.
Ex-Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock told the BBC’s new Champions League MOTD show: “You have to pay massive respect to Inter for this result.
“You can’t just say City missed two massive opportunities to win at the end, because Inter missed big chances as well.
“Inter were superbly organised at the back and I thought Nicolo Barella was instrumental in how good they were in both defence and attack.
“He slipped into defence to cover when their centre-halves stepped up or City attacked, but he also had the energy to get forward himself and bring his team forward.”
Girona ace ‘on Arsenal radar’
Viktor Tsygankov might be too busy for now reflecting on Girona’s last-minute agony at PSG to heed continuing links to Prem giants.
But the Ukraine winger is reportedly being trailed by three English champions League clubs.
Viktor Tsygankov took on PSG with Girona in Paris last nightCredit: Getty Arsenal, Liverpool and Aston Villa are all said to be watching the 26-year-old, who joined Girona from Dynamo Kyiv in January 2023.
Tsygankov played 88 minutes of his Spanish club’s historic Champions League night in Paris.
Ex-Spurs keeper Paulo Gazzaniga then blundered for PSG’s last winner.
Ex-Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek had been replaced after 58 minutes as his new LaLiga team were cruelly denied a point.
Tsygankov evades PSGâs Bradley Barcola but saw Girona denied at the deathCredit: AP Keeper channels ‘inner Spurs’ as Girona run out of Gazz
Girona were denied a historic point at Paris Saint-Germain thanks to a late howler from keeper Paulo Gazzaniga.
The former Spurs and Fulham man made a 90th-minute gaffe to hand PSG all three points at the Parc des Princes.
Girona are playing in the Champions League this season for the first time in their 94-year history.
The club have hauled themselves from the fifth tier of Spanish football to Europe’s elite. And they more than held their own against a star-studded PSG in the French capital.
Girona appeared to be cruising towards a point when a desperate Nuno Mendes drove to the byline in the 90th minute.
The PSG full-back sent over a wayward low cross, angling it straight at the well-positioned stopper. Gazzaniga went down to collect the ball, only for it to spurt through his grasp and between his legs.
The 32-year-old sank to his knees as the ball rolled agonisingly into the corner, handing a jubilant PSG a 1-0 win.
One fan gasped in response: “Football is a cruel game.” Another joked: “Gazzaniga unleashing his inner Spurs.” While a third added: “Gazzaniga is just as good as I remember.”
Pep says he ‘loves Italy’ when asked cheeky question
Pep Guardiola was asked directly by an Italian journalist after the 0-0 draw with Inter Milan if he fancied managing in that country.
The Man City manager’s contract expires next summer, while the club are embroiled in a dramatic a FFP legal case.
Credit: Getty Guardiola replied: “I love Italy but I really enjoy being here.
“I love English football. It is fantastic. I really enjoy it.
“They leave you alone to get on with your job. That doesn’t happen anywhere.”
Guardiola waiting for KDB update
Pep Guardiola will question Man City doctors about Kevin De Bruyne’s fitness.
The midfielder limped off and was then substituted at half-time at home to Inter.
City have a huge Prem game against Arsenal at the Etihad on Sunday.
Boss Guardiola said of KDB’s situation: “I haven’t spoke with the doctors and I will speak maybe later.”
Pep loved ‘absolutely everything’ about City display
Boss Pep Guardiola might have surprised many with his “fantastic” verdict on Manchester City.
Many pundits reckon Inter Milan out-thought Pep’s men in a 0-0 Champions League draw at the Etihad.
Pep Guardiola’s side were held by Simone Inzaghi’s InterCredit: Getty But Guardiola told TNT Sports: “We played so good, I love my team, we are a fantastic team.
“Inter are a team who defend really, really well so they are masters of defending and transitionally very strong as well.
” You cannot expect to make many chances when a team defends so, so deep. I’m really pleased for the performance we have done.”
And asked to clarify what he enjoyed about the display, the Spaniard doubled down by adding: “Everything, absolutely everything.”
The two managers embraced warmly afterwardsCredit: Rex City laid Bare
Nicolo Barella has been singled out as the reason Man City spluttered to a 0-0 home draw in their Champions League opener with Inter Milan.
City never dictated the tempo and faced some menacing counter attacks.
And ex-Liverpool left-back Stephen Warnock told the Beeb’s Champions League midweek show: “Inter were superb in the way they set themselves up.
“They played with a 5-3-2 system.
Nicolo Barella was the man of the match, he was at the heart of everything good.
“What a performance that was away from home at the Etihad.”
‘City won’t panic’
Ex-Etihad keeper Joe Hart believes Man City boss Pep Guardiola will be unfazed by Inter Milan’s draw but tactical victory.
Hart told the new Champions League Match of the Day show: “There will not be panic from City, not at all.
“Tonight is a night to credit Simone Inzaghi and his Inter team.
“It was an incredible tactical performance. Everything had to be right and you could see that in how edgy he was [on the touchline]. His team really performed.”
Fans say Dor open for Gittens to follow Bellingham
Londoner Jamie Bynoe-Gittens starred for Borussia Dortmund with two goals off the bench in their 3-0 Champions League win over Club Brugge.
The England Under-21 international hit a deflected opener on 76 minutes and a brilliant second 10 minutes later.
It was a match-winning performance from the young English forwardCredit: Reuters He conjured a series of step overs, cut inside and fired into the far corner.
Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham have already earned big-money moves after dazzling for Dortmund.
And England supporters on social media believe Bynoe-Gittens’ sensational start to the season – four goals in five games – is evidence he is the next prodigy.
One said: “Jamie Gittens, our saviour.” Another added: “He’s next up for England.”
Bynoe-Gittens made an astonishing contribution off the bench ‘We gave 200%’
Inter’s outstanding ace at the Etihad, Nicolo Barella, believes the Italian champs proved they can be as good as Man City.
Impressive Inter certainly matched City for long spells, bettering them for breaks and for quality defending.
Barella told Amazon Prime Video Italia: “This team won the Scudetto last season and didn’t do enough in the Champions League, so this year we want to do more in Europe,
Nicolo Barella arguably upstaged all Man City’s big namesCredit: Alamy “We reached the Final two years ago, our ambition is to do it again, then in football anything can happen.
“Today against a very strong team we proved that we can play on the same level. In the end, incidents then decide the results.”
Rodri (16) reacts with frustration after fouling BarellaCredit: Alamy He added: “I liked the attitude, because after a not very good performance against Monza, we could’ve come here with tension, but instead we gave 200 per cent and that is the mentality we need to go all the way.”
Barella kept Inter ticking all nightCredit: Rex Hakan hails fearless Inter
Hakan Calhanoglu claims Inter made their point – by proving they can play at the Etihad without fear.
The former AC midfielder believes the visitors deserved their 0-0 draw at a “very strong2 manchester City team.
Hakan Calhanoglu is seen here getting to grips with Man City’s RodriCredit: Getty The Turkey star told TNT Sports and Amazon Prime Video Italia: “We tried everything, had chances to score, a lot of chances.
“Both teams today showed all the people around some good football
“We were solid and we are happy with the draw.
“We wanted to show that we are not scared to play here.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND â SEPTEMBER 18: Hakan Calhanoglu of Internazionale reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD1 match between Manchester City and FC Internazionale Milano at City of Manchester Stadium on September 18, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images)Credit: Getty We play football the way they do, with sacrifice we showed that we can also play football
“We know that Manchester City never lose here at home and we took a point with us. We want to continue like this, proving who Inter are.”
Thierry slated for ‘awkward’ Pulisic interview
Thierry Henry was slammed by fans for his awkward behaviour in an interview with Christian Pulisic.
The AC Milan star spoke to CBS Sports after his side were defeated 3-1 by Liverpool in their Champions League opener last night.
But Henry barely questioned Pulisic with his colleagues Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards and host Kate Abdo doing most of the talking.
And after Pulisic answered a question about the US national team and what they can achieve under new boss Mauricio Pochettino, Henry clammed up and turned things very awkward.
When Pulisic stopped speaking Richards asked: “Thierry?”
But the Arsenal legend quickly snapped back “no” as he refused to ask a question before looking around awkwardly. Kate then jumped in to save the situation by asking Pulisic what he planned to do with the rest of his evening.
Fans quickly piled on Henry and called out his awkwardness, as the Frenchman appeared out of character.
One said: “Just flat weird behaviour from Thierry Henry during this Pulisic interview. Strange and awkward.” Another added: “Henry was so weird the whole night.”
City sweat on De Bruyne fitness
Etihad chief Pep Guardiola will be anxious to hear Kevin De Bruyne’s condition.
The Manchester City playmaker limped off late in the first half of this evening’s 0-0 Champions League stalemate after colliding with Inter keeper Yann Sommer.
KDB returned to last until the interval.
But he was replaced for the second period by Ilkay Gundogan.
Now City might be sweating on his fitness ahead of Sunday’s home Prem clash with Arsenal.
Credit: Alamy
Does shirty Haaland see funny side…?
Erling Haaland had an amusingly mischievous exchange with Inter defender Francesco Acerbi on the final whistle – after failing to have a ton of fun on the pitch before that.
The Man City striker remains on 99 goals after tonight’s 0-0 draw with the impressive Italian visitors.
Credit: Getty And what at first looked a heated encounter with Acerbi appeared to end more light-heartedly.
The duo were locked in an animated exchange, with the Azzurri star then seeming to ask the Norwegian striker for TWO shirts.
Credit: Getty Haaland seemed stunned by that request and queried it.
Or to put it more precisely he appeared to say: “Two? F*** off.”
The pair – especially Acerbi – then burst into laughter and walked off the Etihad turf.
Credit: Rex ‘Celtic can threaten the bigger teams’
Celtic could easily have scored eight – but instead had to settle for five and their first-ever victory in a Champions League opener past the qualifying stage.
Liam Scales nodded a 17th minute opener, before Kyogo Furuhashi, Arne Engels, Daizen Maeda and Adam Idah struck after the break in a 5-1 home defeat of Slovan Bratislava.
And ex-keeper Pat Bonner even reckons his old club can match European giants – if they maintain such a high standard.
Bonner told BBC Sportsound: “Keep that up, with the quality they showed tonight, and they’ll be a threat to some of the bigger teams.”
‘City didn’t do enough’
Ma City have been told they “didn’t do enough” to earn victory over Inter Milan.
Few would disagree after the strong-defending Italians even enjoyed the best opportunity, sub Henrikh Mkhitaryan blazing wide late on.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan blasted a late chance wide, albeit not quite a sitterCredit: AFP Ex-England strikerr Chris Sutton told BBC Radio 5 live: “Manchester City didn’t do enough to win it.
“Credit to Inter, they made themselves very hard to beat and had some chances themselves, Henrikh Mkhitaryan with a golden chance in the second half.
“A draw is just about right but City were just off the pace.
“Not a normal Pep-like performance but they have another seven games to retrieve the situation.”
Gittens purring
England Under-21 winger Jamie Gittens notched a match-turning late double for Borussia Dortmund in a 3-0 defeat of Club Brugge.
The Londoner, 20, was with Reading, Chelsea and Manchester City as a kid.
Jamie Gittens here fires his 76th-minute openerCredit: Getty He swapped the Etihad for Germany in 2022.
Gittens has played for England at every level from U-15s up.
Serhou Guirassy celebrates his late penalty with Gittens and Felix NmechaCredit: Reuters And he’s now played sece3n times for the U-21s.
Girona keeper agony
Girona keeper Paulo Gazzaniga put through his own net on 90 minutes for PSG’s winner in Paris.
And Guirassy ‘s 95th minute penalty clinched Dortmund’s 3-0 victory at Brugge.
Results:
Man City 0-0 Inter Milan
Celtic 5-1 Slovan Bratislava
Club Brugge 0-3 Borussia Dortmund
PSG 0-0 GironaResult: Man City 0-0 Inter Milan
City sub Gundogan emerged from nowhere to send a flying header inches over.
But the final whistle came seconds later – with Inter deservedly holding on for a draw
Inter looking comfortable…?
We’re well into the four added minutes at the Etihad.
Inter are perhaps deeper than they have ever been tonight.
But on what we’ve seen it would be a surprise if City nick a winner.
Latest scores:
Man City 0-0 Inter Milan
Celtic 5-1 Slovan Bratislava
Club Brugge 0-2 Borussia Dortmund
PSG 0-0 GironaCity pressing in added time
That City free-kick soon became a corner – but Inter cleared it into the home half.
Foden then burst forward – but again City failed to keep hold of possession.
But they have the ball back again.
Latest scores:
Man City 0-0 Inter Milan
Celtic 5-1 Slovan Bratislava
Club Brugge 0-2 Borussia Dortmund
PSG 0-0 GironaGOAL! Celtic make history
Adam Idah’s first-time finish from a classy ball by James Forrest made history for Celtic.
That’s because they’ve never hit five in the Champions League before.
Meanwhile, we are into stoppage time at the Etihad – with City having a free-kick 40 yards out.
Latest scores:
Man City 0-0 Inter Milan
Celtic 5-1 Slovan Bratislava
Club Brugge 0-2 Borussia Dortmund
PSG 0-0 GironaFoden scrambles chance
Haaland is growing frustrated – with just 14 touches so far.
And instead it was City team-mate Foden who turned quickly on the edge of the box for a bundling shot tipped away low down by Inter keeper Sommer.
Meanwhile, Gittens has bagged his and Dortmund’s second goal in the space of 10 minutes at Brugge.
Latest scores:
Man City 0-0 Inter Milan
Celtic 5-1 Slovan Bratislava
Club Brugge 0-2 Borussia Dortmund
PSG 0-0 Girona
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
