Inter Milan 3-0 AS Monaco: Martinez nets hat-trick as Nerazzurri defeat 10-man Monaco to seal top-eight spot
Inter Milan extended their unbeaten streak to 13 UEFA Champions League (UCL) matches at San Siro (W11, D2) with a swift start and a hat-trick from Lautaro Martínez, securing a 3-0 victory over Monaco to advance to the last 16. Consequently, Monaco will have to settle for a position in the knockout play-offs.
The Nerazzurri were aware that a draw would suffice to secure a top-eight finish, but they quickly seized the opportunity to take the lead when Marcus Thuram flicked the ball past Mohammed Salisu, only to be brought down by Denis Zakaria, resulting in a penalty. Lautaro confidently converted the penalty just four minutes into the match.
There were subsequent appeals for a second penalty when Denzel Dumfries seemed to be fouled by Salisu, but the referee dismissed these claims.
Salisu continued to be under pressure, narrowly avoiding another penalty after Thuram fell to the ground. However, Monaco's situation deteriorated further in the 12th minute when Christian Mawissa was justly sent off for fouling Thuram as he attempted to break free, although Radoslaw Majecki managed to save the ensuing free-kick taken by Federico Dimarco.
Inter soon doubled their advantage when Monaco failed to clear the ball, allowing Lautaro to strike from 15 yards out.
In response, Monaco's head coach Adi Hutter opted for a defensive change, substituting Maghnes Akliouche for Caio Henrique. Despite Dimarco's subsequent miss, Monaco managed to hold off Inter for the remainder of the first half.
The match settled into a slower rhythm after the break, yet Inter continued to showcase their prowess, particularly when Lautaro's delicate pass found Benjamin Pavard, who forced a quick save from Majecki.
Pavard's concerns were alleviated when Lautaro netted his third goal in the 67th minute, taking advantage of Majecki's parry from Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s shot.
Lautaro had the opportunity to increase his goal count by redirecting Dumfries' threatening cross off target. He then exited the field to a standing ovation as Giacomo De Pieri, a teenager making his first-team debut, took his place. Meanwhile, Monaco concluded the match with nine players, as Jordan Teze was carried off on a stretcher due to a muscle injury.
Inter concluded the evening in fourth position in the standings, while Monaco faced disappointment, dropping to 17th place. This result means they will be unseeded in the knockout play-off draw, having secured only one victory in their last 11 away matches in the UEFA Champions League main draw.
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