Manchester City fought back from an early setback to draw 1-1 with Juventus in the Europa League at the City of Manchester Stadium. City went behind to an early strike but had enough character to eventually draw level after being given a stern examination by Juventus in the first half.
The Citizens had the worst possible start to the game falling behind after only ten minutes when Vincenzo laquinta's shot from distance took a slight deflection off Kolo Toure and flew past Joe Hart.
Not that City were unaware of the threat of Juventus. Twice previously Hart had to be alert to keep out an earlier shot from the goal-scorer, then parry an Alessandro Del Piero free kick.
The City of Manchester Stadium was remarkably quiet or such a big game and this setback just added to the subdued nature of the proceedings.
The Italians began knocking the ball around with confidence whilst City were laboured in their build up with only the busy Carlos Tevez posing any sort of threat.
But nine minutes before the break the host's levelled with an exquisite move and the Eastland's faithful found their voice.
Yaya Toure played a delightful ball into the path of Adam Johnson who rounded keeper Alex Manninger and easily converted in front of watching England coach Fabio Capello.
Suddenly Juventus were having to defend in numbers as City enjoyed their best spell of pressure up to the break.
The Citizens continued to dominate for most of the second half without creating many clear cut chances, although Johnson did force a save from the former Arsenal keeper.
Del Piero then showed his dead ball skills with first one free kick that flashed wide but with five minutes remaining his effort hit the underside of the cross bar and bounced down on the line to be cleared.
Both teams then had half chances to seal the win but in the end a point apiece was a fair result.
Man City scorers: Johnson, 36 Juventus scorers: laquinta, 36
Referee: Eduardo Gonzalez (Spain)
Venue: Eastlands, Manchester Attendance: 35,212
MAN CITY 25 Hart 04 Kompany 05 Zabaleta (Boyata 46) 17 Boateng (Milner 84) 28 Kolo Toure 11 A Johnson 18 Barry (yellow card) 24 Vieira 42 Yaya Toure 09 Adebayor (Silva 73) 32 Tevez
Substitutes 01 Given, 19 Lescott, 38 Boyata, 07 Milner, 21 Silva, 34 De Jong, 27 Jo
JUVENTUS 13 Manninger 03 Chiellini 19 Bonucci 21 Grygera (yellow card) 29 De Ceglie (Motta 72) 05 Sissoko 08 Marchisio 25 Martinez (Pepe 54) 27 Krasic (yellow card) (Felipe Melo 75) 09 Iaquinta 10 Del Piero
Substitutes 30 Storari, 02 Motta, 33 Legrottaglie, 04 Felipe Melo, 20 Lanzafame, 23 Pepe, 41 Nicolo Giannetti
