The stadium fell silent, and the home fans looked visibly dejected.
The group stage had begun well for them; they had even beaten group favorites Inter Milan in an away match. Facing an English Premier League side at home, many assumed three points were already in the bag.
But looking back at the match, their beloved team produced very few threatening attacks. Their best chance was Milanič's early header in the opening minutes. In the second half, things unfolded as they often do against Manchester City—the English side dominated, while Graz posed little danger.
When the final whistle blew, O'Neill calmly walked toward Vica Osim. After a brief handshake, both managers turned and disappeared down the players' tunnel.
City's players let out a collective sigh of relief before cheering loudly. The painful, grinding battle was finally over.
Two wins and one draw—seven points—firmly at the top of the group!
