The win put Inter in second spot on six points, four points behind leaders Bayern Munich while Spartak Moscow remain in last place with a single point.

The Argentine striker powered home a brilliant goal after being set-up by Zlatan Ibrahimovic just 58 seconds into the game.

He wasted a golden chance to double the lead when he received the ball unmarked in the Spartak area only to shoot wide with the goal at his mercy.

Later on Tuesday, Bayern Munich were held to a goalless draw by Sporting Lisbon.

Bayern’s manager Felix Magath fielded a line-up consisting mainly of second string players but managed to stand firm against waves of Sporting attacks.

The result means Bayern have booked their place in the competition knockout stage after raising their tally to 10 while Sporting lie third with 5 points.