City had the lion's share of the game but Salonika's defence held meaning Roberto Mancini's side must finish the job in the return leg.
New signing from Wolfsburg Edin Dzeko might have struck first blood before the break but he could not convert from Aleksandar Kolarov's low cross, the Bosnian's header well saved by home keeper Michalis Sifakis.
Mario Balotelli, on as a late substitute, then sent an overhead kick wide in the closing stages as the Greek side's record of never having lost in 24 European matches at its Kleanthis Vikelidis Stadium remained intact.
Even so, the history books show that previous English visitors Chelsea and Ipswich were similarly unable to score a success at the venue - but then landed the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1970 and the Uefa Cup in 1981 respectively.
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