EINDHOVEN - Internazionale`s Julio Cruz bagged the only goal of the game to dump 10-man PSV Eindhoven out of the Champions League on Wednesday.
The veteran Argentina striker had sent a host of efforts high and wide of the Dutch goal throughout an uninspiring evening, but finally made amends with a neat finish in the 64th minute.
PSV looked to hit back through the lively Danko Lazovic, but ultimately their task seemed improbable from the moment Edison Mendez was dismissed for a professional foul in the 29th minute.
The result, which earned Inter their 15th point in six games, sees them finish four points clear of second-placed Fenerbahce, while PSV conclude in third on seven.
It was a disappointing evening for the Dutch considering they came into the clash knowing a win coupled with a Fenerbahce defeat or draw against CSKA Moscow would see them through.
Presumably that was the motivation behind their quick start.
Just one minute had elapsed when Jason Culina drilled Mike Zonneveld cross wide from 18 yards, and within eight minutes further efforts from Carlos Salcido and Ibrahim Afellay had both tested Inter stopper Julio Cesar.
In between, Santiago Solari forced Heurelho Gomes into a superb reaction save with his feet after thundering a low shot at goal from 12 yards, and David Suazo caused trouble with his inswinging corners, but generally the initiative lay with the Dutch champions.
The point was nearly underlined when Culina and then Afellay caught sight of goal only to send their shots off target, but soon their charge took a negative turn when Mendez was dismissed for a professional foul on David Suazo in the 29th minute.
Thereafter, their task grew tougher.
First, Maxwell blasted narrowly wide as Inter enjoyed their extra freedom, and then Julio Cruz sent a couple of efforts marginally off target.
Danko Lazovic managed to fire a shot wide from 20 yards in response, but going into half-time Inter seemed on top.
Despite their numerical supremacy, Inter took their time before stamping any authority on the second period.
In fact, by the time Cruz blazed over the bar from six yards in the 54th minute, Afellay had already squandered a couple of chances, while Carlos Salcido came close with a speculative shot from 25 yards.
A further PSV effort came from Jefferson Farfan, but Inter looked comfortable in possession and rarely looked in threat without it.
At the other end, however, was a different story.
Cruz was looking dangerous on the break and could have scored with a couple more efforts - one on the hour mark sailed over the bar - but he did not have to wait long to make amends.
In the 64th minute, the striker collected a Suazo pass from the left of the area and calmly slotted past Gomes from six yards for the opener.
Lazovic volleyed over as PSV chased a leveller but it was threat to Inter, who by this point were strolling home.
The lead could have even been extended to 2-0 10 minutes from time but Solari, taking aim from 20 yards, rattled the post with his shot.
