Roma holds Man City to 1-1 draw in CL clash

Manchester City had a rude awakening about the tough battle they face to qualify for the Champions League knockout phase after Manuel Pellegrini's men were held to a 1-1 draw by Italian side A.S. Roma at Etihad Stadium.

City took the lead in the fourth minute, thanks to striker Sergio Aguero's penalty but veteran Roma skipper Francesco Totti set the Serie A runners-up on the way to a fully deserved point when he became the oldest player to score in the Champions League with a clever equaliser before half-time.

Totti eclipsed Manchester United's Ryan Giggs and left City still searching for their first win in Group E following their opening defeat by Bayern Munich in Germany, The BBC reported.

City would still feel confident of qualification from the group but, with Bayern favourites after two wins, Roma have demonstrated that they would pose a serious threat to their aspirations of moving out of this tough section as Pellegrini's side still have to visit Italy.

Roma, without injured midfield powerhouses Kevin Strootman and Daniele De Rossi, were combative in midfield and showed the sort of pace in attack that will trouble City in the return meeting.

City battled manfully but struggled to find the drive and quality to break down Roma, whose fans were far more satisfied at the final whistle than the home side's followers, the report added.