Europa League: Rubin Kazan defeat Inter, take top spot

Moscow, Nov 23 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Rubin Kazan defeated Inter Milan 3−0 at home to secure the top spot in Europa League Group H and an easier draw in the last 32.

Gokdeniz Karadeniz put Rubin ahead Thursday after just two minutes before Jose Salomon Rondon came off the bench to add two late goals and inflict a heavy defeat on an otherwise competent Inter side.

Both teams were already assured of a place in the knockout stages before the game, but Rubin now take first place, with Inter second.

Karadeniz’s opener came in freakish circumstances when Inter defender Juan deflected an Alan Kasaev cross against his own post, and Karadeniz pounced to knock the loose ball into the net.

Panama striker Rondon scored twice in six minutes in the dying stages of the match to prevent an Inter comeback.

Rondon first struck on 86 minutes off a Bibras Natkho assists before Karadeniz played the Panamanian into an excellent position with a through ball before he sliced past Inter goalkeeper Vid Belec.

There was an early worry for Rubin coach Kurban Berdyev when midfielder Roman Eremenko went off injured on seven minutes with what appeared to be an ankle problem, and was replaced by Carlos Eduardo.

Inter put the hosts under an assault but failed to defeat goalkeeper Sergei Ryzhikov, who saved five Italian attempts, while substitute Rodrigo Palacio hit the woodwork late on in search of an equaliser.

Neftci Baku drew 1−1 with Partizan Belgrade in Thursday’s other game in Group H.

−−IANS/RIA Novosti

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IANS 2012-11-23 14:24:06