Inter Milan secured their place in the Champions League Round of 16 with a commanding victory over Monaco, thanks to a stellar performance from Lautaro Martinez. The Argentine striker netted a hat-trick, leading his team to a convincing win against the 10-man Ligue 1 side.
The match started with both teams already assured of at least a play-off spot, but the coveted top-eight finish was still up for grabs. Inter wasted no time in asserting their dominance, with Martinez converting a penalty just four minutes into the game after Marcus Thuram was fouled in the box.
Inter’s attacking prowess was on full display throughout the match, with Denzel Dumfries coming close to doubling the lead on two occasions. Monaco’s situation worsened when Christian Mawissa received a red card for bringing down Thuram when the French striker was clear on goal.
Martinez extended Inter’s lead with his second goal, capitalizing on a defensive error by Monaco. The Argentine completed his hat-trick in the second half, pouncing on a rebound after Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s long-range effort was parried by the goalkeeper.
Despite being a man down, Monaco’s misfortunes continued as they were forced to finish the match with only nine players due to an injury to Teze after all substitutions had been made.
Inter’s dominance was evident throughout the game, with Federico Dimarco and Benjamin Pavard also coming close to adding their names to the scoresheet. The victory not only secured Inter’s passage to the knockout stages but also showcased the team’s attacking prowess and Martinez’s clinical finishing.
As the final whistle blew, Inter Milan celebrated their progression to the Round of 16, with Lautaro Martinez’s hat-trick performance undoubtedly the highlight of a memorable European night at the San Siro.
Goals: Lautaro Martinez pen 4, 16, 67 (I)
Inter (3-5-2): Sommer; Pavard, De Vrij, Bastoni (59′ Carlos Augusto); Dumfries (76′ Darmian), Barella (59′ Frattesi), Asllani, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Lautaro (76′ De Pieri), Thuram (59′ Arnautovic).
Monaco (4-2-3-1): Majecki; Vanderson, Kehrer (46′ Teze), Salisu, Mawissa; Camara (46′ Bouabre), Zakaria; Akliouche (19′ Caio Henrique), Golovin (79′ Ben Seghir) Minamino (68′ Michal); Embolo.
