Aris held Manchester City to a 0-0 draw at Thessaloniki on Tuesday for the first leg of the round of 32 of the Europa League to maintain their 43-year-long unbeaten home record in Europe intact.
The result was probably the best that the Greeks could hope for against one of the most expensive sides in Europe, as they weathered the pressure that could have seen them crumble, although this was definitely not City’s night.
The result was probably the best that the Greeks could hope for against one of the most expensive sides in Europe, as they weathered the pressure that could have seen them crumble, although this was definitely not City’s night.
The match took place in front of a capacity crowd that created a fantastic atmosphere at the Kleanthis Vikelidis Stadium.
City were the better side throughout the match but could not quite get their finishing touch right, and were twice denied by Aris and Greece goalkeeper Michalis Sifakis.
The first time Sifakis was called to the task was at the 15th minute when David Silva fed Edin Dzeko, but he could not beat the Greek keeper from close distance.
The best moment for Aris in the first half came at the 44th minute as a Darcy Neto free-kick from the edge of the box screamed a few inches next to the right post of Joe Hart who was left stranded.
Aris, who have the elimination of Europa League holders Atletico Madrid already under their belt this season, tried some shots from outside the box by Neto and Juan Carlos Toja in the second half but would not catch Hart off guard as the English keeper was not to be beaten.
Sifakis produced the save of the evening as he stretched to palm away the powerful header by Dzeko at the 63rd minute.
The Bosnian could not find the target with his strong shot eight minutes later, either.
Aris gave some ground in the last 10 minutes but City could not capitalise on their pressure to break the deadlock.
The second leg with take place at the City of Manchester Stadium on February 24.
