Manchester City failed to take advantage of an early goal allowing an impressive Roma to level before half-time and that is how the score remained, 1-1, giving the home side plenty of work in the remaining fixtures to progress from Group E. Manchester City were desperate to get back on track after three successive defeats in the Champions League and had the perfect start after 4 minutes when Maicon pulled back Sergio Aguero and, after some hesitation, the Dutch referee awarded a penalty which the Argentinean duly dispatched for his sixth Champions League goal at home in succession.
But Roma had started the season with six wins on the bounce in all competitions, including the 5-1 victory over CSKA Moscow in their opening Champions League fixture and almost immediately levelled as Maicon sprang the offside trap but failed to atone for his previous error by smashing the ball against the underside of the cross bar.
Yet it was the Italians who settled the better keeping possession well and breaking quickly when necessary with the City defence looking shaky at times.
Roma deservedly levelled as the home side's defence went missing allowing skipper Francesco Totti to race clear and delicately chip the ball over the advancing Joe Hart to become, at 38, the oldest ever Champions League goalscorer.
Whilst going forward City looked more comfortable than in defence again they were nearly caught out as former Chelsea defender Ashley Cole almost put the visitor's ahead but just failed to get on the end of a a raking cross at the far post.
Then on the stoke of half-time Gervinho powered forward and Hart was forced to parry the Ivory Cost strikers fierce shot for a corner.
Immediately after the break more sloppy defending by City almost saw Roma take the lead following a scramble in the goalmouth, but the hosts hit back and substitute James Milner flashed a shot wide.
With five in midfield City looked more secure but they still struggled to break down the Italian's who showed their cynical streak at times to break up play.
City increased the pressure in the closing stages but Roma held out for the point which they deserved having to endure five additional minutes.
