UCL: Inter reach last 16 as Lautaro hits hat-trick

Inter Milan sealed their progression to the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League, after thrashing Monaco 3-0.

Lautaro Martinez scored all three goals to become Inter’s joint-most prolific scorer in European Cup/Champions League history.

The party started early for the home side, as they were 2-0 up and their opponents down by a man, inside 16 minutes.

Martinez opened the scoring in the 4th minute, converting from the penalty spot after Denis Zakaria clipped Marcus Thuram.

Things got worse for Monaco when Christian Mawissa received a straight red card for hauling Thuram.

Few minutes after, Martinez made it 2-0 for the Nerazzuri, with a low finish.

The Argentine then had his hat-trick and Inter’s third of the game, rebounding Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s saved shot.

Monaco ended the game with nine men as substitute Jordan Teze was carried off injured after Adi Hutter had used all his changes.

The victory means Inter qualify directly for the round of 16 with 19 points from eight games, finishing 4th.

Meanwhile, Martinez matched Sandro Mazzola’s tally of 17 goals in the Europe’s top club competition.