CHAMPIONS LEAGUE GROUP B: CSKA Moscow 2 Inter Milan 3:INTER MILAN revived their Champions League campaign under new coach Claudio Ranieri after quickly recovering from throwing away a two-goal lead in a 3-2 win at CSKA Moscow last night.
Inter, stunned by Turkey’s Trabzonspor 1-0 at home two weeks ago, were off to a flying start in the Russian capital as Ranieri recorded his second win in two matches since replacing the sacked Gian Piero Gasperini.
Brazil defender Lucio’s side-footed effort was deflected in following a corner in the sixth minute after he was left unmarked at the far post and CSKA goalkeeper Vladimir Gabulov misjudged a high ball.
Giampaolo Pazzini added a second from close range in the 23rd minute following a low cross by Yuto Nagatomo.
Alan Dzagoyev pulled one back for the home side, blasting in a 20-metre free kick on the stroke of half-time.
The hosts piled on the pressure after the interval and Brazilian striker Vagner Love levelled with a low shot in the 77th minute.
But substitute Mauro Zarate fired the visitors ahead two minutes later with his first Inter goal.
CSKA had a strong penalty appeal waved away by Scottish referee Craig Thomson in the 17th minute when Seydou Doumbia appeared to be taken down by Lucio inside the box.
CSKA MOSCOW:Gabulov, Nababkin, Vasili Berezutsky, Ignashevich, Alexei Berezutsky, Mamaev (Tosic 68), Aldonin, Oliseh, Dzagoev, Doumbia, Vagner Love. Subs not used: Chepchugov, Semberas, Cauna, Rahimic, Popov, Fedotov.
INTER MILAN:Julio Cesar, Nagatomo, Samuel, Lucio, Chivu (Crisetig 90), Alvarez (Jonathan 84), Cambiasso, Zanetti, Obi, Milito, Pazzini (Zarate 49). Subs not used: Castellazzi, Caldirola, Coutinho, Romano. Booked: Obi,Cambiasso.
Referee:Craig Thomson (Scotland).
