Lautaro Martinez’s brilliant first-half volley secured a 1-0 Champions League victory for Inter Milan over hosts Sparta Prague on Wednesday, keeping their hopes alive for an automatic spot in the round of 16.
Martinez found the back of the net with a stunning effort at the back post, connecting with a cross from Alessandro Bastoni.
His strike, from a tight angle, bounced off the underside of the crossbar and left Sparta goalkeeper Peter Vindahl helpless.
The home side failed to pose much of a threat in front of goal, and their defeat means they are now out of contention for a place in the knockout stages, having earned just four points from seven matches and losing their last five in the competition.
Inter now sit in fourth place with 16 points from seven games and are in a strong position to secure their place in the round of 16, with a crucial home match against Monaco set for January 29.
Notably, four of Inter’s five wins in the group stage have come by a narrow 1-0 margin, showcasing their ability to stay solid at the back while relying on individual moments of quality to secure the points.
Their defense has been the best in the competition, conceding only one goal, though they have scored the fewest goals of any of the top 19 teams in the standings.
Martinez’s early strike helped calm any nerves, bringing his tally to 14 Champions League goals and leveling him with Adriano as Inter’s joint top scorer in the competition’s history.
Sparta, meanwhile, struggled to break down Inter’s defense, creating only a handful of chances.
The best fell to Veljko Birmancevic, whose shot from inside the box was well saved by Inter’s Yann Sommer.
Inter thought they had extended their lead in the 60th minute when Denzel Dumfries found the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside during the buildup.
Martinez and Marcus Thuram both missed additional chances, but Inter were comfortably able to close out the match, securing the win with ease.
