Trabzonspor strike late to stun Inter

Trabzonspor AŞ produced one of the greatest results in their history as they overcame the 2010 European champions FC Internazionale Milano in their maiden group match.

Ondřej Čelůstka, a summer signing from SK Slavia Praha, scored 14 minutes from time as the Turkish side condemned Gian Piero Gasperini's side to their third successive defeat of his competitive tenure. Following an even opening half, Inter had their chances but it was Trabzonspor who registered the telling strike and Şenol Güneş's men held on stoutly thereafter.

After conceding four goals at US Città di Palermo at the weekend, Gasperini abandoned his preferred three-man defence for a four-pillared back line shielded by Joel Obi, Esteban Cambiasso and Javier Zanetti, but there was a lack of creativity in the 4-3-1-2 formation.

Mauro Zárate scuffed Joel Obi's cut-back having been given possession by an errant pass from Arkadiusz Głowacki. Tolga Zengin then saved smartly on 32 minutes after the loan signing from S.S. Lazio weaved his way into the area. That was a rare glimpse of finesse in the first half, with the Serie A's side best chance of the opening period falling moments later to Giampaolo Pazzini, who missed his kick with only Tolga to beat.

If the visitors had held out gamely in the first half, they showed greater attacking intent after the break. Gustavo Colman orchestrated a succession of neat, passing moves, and stalked Inter's defensive third with his clever movement off the ball. Alanzinho's 61st-minute strike narrowly cleared Júlio César's crossbar, but stirred the hosts on to the front foot, Zárate forcing another save following more nimble footwork.

Diego Milito, on for Pazzini, appeared to strengthen Inter's hand but the Argentinian international missed two presentable chances in quick succession. Tolga repelled his close-range drive after Cambiasso put him in on goal with a delightful clipped pass, and the substitute then glanced Javier Zanetti's pinpoint cross wide as the Nerazzurri began to turn the screw.

But just as they were threatening to break the deadlock, the Black Sea Storm produced the sucker punch. Čelůstka won a hopeful aerial ball for Halil Altıntop who crashed a fierce shot against the bar, and as the home the defence appeared to stand still, Čelůstka reacted first, picking up the loose ball, and directing it back across César for the winning goal.