MOSCOW - A howler from CSKA Moscow goalkeeper Veniamin Mandrykin handed Internazionale a deserved Champions League victory at the Dinamo Stadion.
With 10 minutes remaining and the game finely poised, the Russian stopper somehow managed to let Walter Samuel's header bounce into the net when it appeared to be heading straight at him.
Earlier, CSKA had taken the lead through Brazilian striker Jo before Hernan Crespo equalised for Inter just after half-time.
The game started tentatively with neither side willing to over-commit and Zlatan Ibrahimovic had the first effort for Inter with a wild volley from 30 yards which went high and wide.
CSKA hit back and influential Brazilian playmaker Daniel Carvalho drove in a low free-kick from 20 yards that was comfortably gathered by Julio Cesar.
Inter thought they had a shout for a penalty moments later as a high ball was played into Ibrahimovic and the Sweden striker was seemingly bundled over in the box, only for referee Mike Riley to wave away the protests.
Roberto Mancini's side were then dealt a further blow as Patrick Vieira limped off to be replaced by Dejan Stankovic.
The loss of Vieira seemed to disrupt Inter's rhythm and Luis Figo, who was making his 100th Champions League appearance, was hustled off the ball in his own area by Yuri Zhirkov, who set up Dudu to fire wide from six yards.
That chance buoyed CSKA and minutes later they were ahead as Carvalho played the ball into Jo, who turned Ivan Cordoba and curled a delightful effort past Cesar.
Inter immediately went in search for an equaliser and Maxwell's teasing cross from the left found Crespo at the far post, but the angle was too tight for the Argentinian to direct the shot on target.
Crespo was heavily involved again minutes later as he flicked on Figo's cross, only for Ibrahimovic to head straight at Mandrykin when he should have brought the Nerazzurri level.
The visitors came flying out of the traps after the restart and the equaliser duly came as Milos Krasic's flicked an attempted headed clearance to Crespo, who lashed home from six yards.
CSKA were shaken by the goal and they almost went behind seconds later when Esteban Cambiasso failed to connect with Maxwell's cross.
However, they almost retook the lead when Carvalho's free-kick deflected into the path of Elvir Rahimic who failed to direct his shot past Julio Cesar.
The game opened up with both sides pressing to take the lead and Figo's superb free-kick found Julio Cruz, but the substitute headed wide when he should have scored.
With time ticking away, Figo's free-kick was met by the unmarked Samuel whose header bounced past the hapless Mandrykin.
CSKA looked to hit back straight away and Carvalho's powerful long-range drive was parried away by Julio Cesar.
In injury time, Mandrykin made amends for his earlier howler as he produced a fine save to prevent Ibrahimovic finishing the game off.
It made no difference though as CSKA failed to find an equaliser and Inter walked away their second win in three Group G games.
