Inter through after Rubin win

Balotelli: Amazing strike

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Inter Milan are through to the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League after beating Rubin Kazan 2-0 at the San Siro.

Samuel Eto'o grabbed the all-important opening goal just after the half-hour mark when he blasted home a neat flick from Mario Balotelli.

The result was put beyond doubt in the second half when Balotelli rifled a brilliant long-range free-kick into the roof of the net.

Inter qualify behind Barcelona, who won away at Dynamo Kiev to ensure they finished at the top of Group F.

Chance

Young striker Balotelli fashioned the first chance of the game when he turned his marker in the box, but the 19-year-old sent his shot straight at Rubin goalkeeper Sergei Rhyzhikov.

Rubin then had an opportunity to take the lead after Cristian Noboa played in Gokdeniz Karadeniz with a perfect through ball, only to see the Julio Cesar turn the Turkey international's effort behind.

The Russian side continued to press, with Thiago Motta blocking dangerous shot from Rafal Murawski after some fine work by Alexander Ryazantsev.

Tricky winger Ryazantsev continued to torment Inter veteran Javier Zanetti, beating him out on the right again before sending in an errant cross.

But Zanetti made amends at the other end when his persistent run resulted in a loose ball that Balotelli flicked back into the path of Eto'o, who smashed the ball home.

Close

Wesley Sneijder and Maicon then both went close with thundering efforts from distance as Inter headed into half-time looking comfortable.

After the break, a well-worked corner put Murawski in acres of space on the edge of the area, but the Pole's shot flew over the bar.

The visitors continued to pile on the pressure, with Inter having to scramble clear on more than one occasion before an unmarked Noboa scuffed wide from a corner.

Jose Mourinho's side eventually weathered the storm and almost doubled their lead when substitute Esteban Cambiasso curled an effort towards goal that Ryzhikov did well to save.

Balotelli calmed the San Siro's nerves when he smashed an incredible free-kick past Ryzhikov from over 30 yards out.

The Italian front-man was then presented with another glorious chance moments later put his stretching effort could not divert the ball into an empty net.

Inter almost grabbed a third when another well-hit shot from Sneijder rattled the post and bounced to safety before the Italian champions comfortably saw out the closing stages.