Inter Milan's Maicon has admitted that their Champions League opponents Rubin Kazan were a challenge.

The Champions League clash, which ended 1-1, is Inter's second draw in Group F following their goalless draw to Barcelona at home.

The Italian giants have failed to impress on European soil so far, and their recent outing with Kazan was equally dismal.

Speaking to Rai Sport, Maicon said: "It was a match which created a few difficulties.

"In particular because we played a team with many offensive options, who require attention.

"We were able to score against them, and after the Balotelli sending off, we ground our teeth in until the end.

"The draw is an important result for us considering how things are at the moment."

The defender also addressed Mario Balotelli's sending off, criticising the player's behaviour.

"I don't know what happened. Mario has to understand that he cannot get things wrong like this as he did on Tuesday.

"He still has lots to learn, but what happened will serve in helping him grow," Maicon concluded.