The Italian champions replied with yellow cards for Samuel and Balotelli, before coming back into the game. An effort from Samuel Eto’o from close range was saved by Sergey Ryzhikov at the 21 minute mark, but the Kazan netminder couldn’t do anything when a completely unmarked Dejan Stanković put in the header six minutes later, 1-1.

Inter didn’t stop after getting an equalizer as Mario Balotelli’s shot from outside the box rocketed into the crossbar, but Rubin managed to maintain the level score until the break.

The main event of the second half was Balotelli’s second booking on 60th minute. And the only thing Jose Maurinho’s men could think about after going a man down was protecting their goal.

Rubin locked the visitors on their half of the field creating one chance after another. Domínguez, Bukharov, Cristian Ansaldi and Aleksandr Ryazantsev all tested Internazionale keeper Júlio César, but the Brazilian stood firm.

Kazan captain Sergey Semak had the best opportunity to give his team the well deserved win but struck into the post.

Nothing more than an equalizer was how it ended on the night, with Inter managing to bring away a point from Russia, grabbing their second draw in the tournament.

“I am happy that such a beautiful football holiday came to Kazan and we didn’t spoil it, but I am disappointed by the score,” Kurban Berdyev, Rubin Kazan coach, said to NTV channel.

In another Group F game of the night, defending Champions League champions Barcelona scored a goal in each half through Lionel Messi and Pedro Rodriguez to take the better of Dynamo Kiev.

Barca top the group with four points, Dynamo is second with three, Inter has two and Rubin is one point behind.

Arshavin helps Arsenal against the Greeks

Arsenal left it late in their Group H game against an away Olympiacos. Robin van Persie broke the deadlock only on the 78th minute, and it was the 20th shot on goal for the Gunners.

And then Andrey Arshavin made the home crowd proud, sealing the win for the hosts. The Russian flicked it in with a clever back-heel past keeper Antonis Nikopolidis.

Arsenal won 2-0, having six points after two games, while Arshavin was named man of the match by the UEFA website.