Modest Zárate plays down Inter impact at CSKA

Mauro Zárate played down his role in earning FC Internazionale Milano all three points at PFC CSKA Moskva after scoring the winner in a dramatic 3-2 victory in Group B. The forward, who replaced the injured Giampaolo Pazzini early in the second half, intervened crucially to leave Zoran Tošič ruing the Army Men's mistakes, although the midfielder took heart from the way Leonid Slutski's men had battled back from two goals down.

Mauro Zárate, Inter forward
I simply tried to do what I always do − give everything on the pitch. The coach knows I will always be ready whenever he calls on me. He must know he can count on me. Our job as players is to help Inter win games and I'm happy I gave a good contribution tonight.

Esteban Cambiasso, Inter midfielder
We didn't start the season well but we only played badly in a couple of games. Big teams often need time to start playing well. Tonight's game would have been completely different if we didn't concede on the stroke of half-time. If we were 2-0 up after the interval, we could have scored more goals and been calmer in the second half. However I'm pleased with the reaction we had after their equaliser.

Zoran Tošič, CSKA midfielder
Inter's performance under their new coach was not surprising. They've already played one match in Serie A with Ranieri in charge and we studied it carefully. We lost because of our own mistakes. However, I also should pay tributes to Inter − they have a lot of experience, played well defensively and waited for their chances on the counterattack. Trabzonspor are next up and our fans have cause to be optimistic. In both of our fixtures, against Lilles and Inter, we have showed character, because each time we've fought back from 2-0 down to equalise.

Evgeni Aldonin, CSKA midfielder
If our injured players had been available against Lille and Inter the results might have been different, but even with this squad we've been playing well. After the break it was one way. Inter were lucky to win today. Mauro Zárate's goal, right after we have made it 2-2, was a shock. Despite that, I didn't see any heads down in the dressing room. We thanked each other for giving everything we could and fighting to the end. We still have chances to qualify. We have two home matches and should win them. We always have only one goal: to win every match.

Alan Dzagoev, CSKA midfielder
We didn't deserve to lose, a draw would have been a fair result. We outplayed Inter, we had more of the ball. Our opponents were more experienced, that was their only advantage. We could have prevented Inter's third goal.