This goalless, tension-free draw raised questions about the new Champions League format and City’s late-Pep vision

Well, Rodri was right about one thing. We definitely need a few less games like this one. Welcome to the new world of Uefa expansionism, a competition without structure, designed solely to provide another roll of TV wallpaper, and on this evidence a place lacking some vital degree of tension or shape.

The most dramatic moment at a room-temperature Etihad Stadium arrived on 78 minutes. As Inter missed one of several good chances on the night, Simone Inzaghi, their thrillingly energetic manager, could be seen literally on his hands and knees in cat stretch position, beating the turf with his hands, as though performing a steamy 1980s soft rock music video dance, whipping his hair, grinding the knees of his elegant dark suit into the grass.