In a Champions League fixture on Wednesday, Lautaro Martínez's outstanding first - half volley was the difference - maker as Inter Milan triumphed 1 - 0 over the hosts, Sparta Prague. This success ensures that Inter Milan is still in the running for an automatic place in the round of 16.

Martínez powerfully struck the ball into the back post from a very tight angle after connecting with Alessandro Bastoni's cross. The ball bounced upwards and found its way into the net off the underside of the crossbar, giving Sparta Prague's goalkeeper, Peter Vindahl, no opportunity to make a stop.

Sparta Prague, the home team, presented little danger in front of the goal. They are now out of the race for a playoff spot, having gathered just four points from their seven matches and suffered five consecutive losses in this competition.

Inter climbed to fourth in the table with 16 points from seven fixtures and should seal their automatic round-of-16 place at home to Monaco in their final fixture on Jan. 29.

Four of Inter's five wins in the league phase have come via 1-0 scorelines, a familiar pattern where they look to keep it tight at the back but have enough individual quality to nick a goal.

They have the best defensive record in the competition with a single goal conceded, but have also scored the fewest goals of the top 19 teams in the table.

Martínez's early goal settled any nerves they might have had as he moved level with Adriano as leading scorer for Inter in the Champions League with his 14th strike.

Sparta lacked the quality to break Inter down and created only half-chances in the game, the best of which fell to Veljko Birmancevic.

When he received the ball on his chest, spun around, and fired a shot from the center of the box, he compelled Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer to make a fine low - save.

Inter believed they had extended their lead to two goals around the 60 - minute mark when Denzel Dumfries found the back of the net. However, the goal was disallowed due to an offside position during the lead - up play.

Martínez and Marcus Thuram squandered additional chances for the visiting side. Nevertheless, Inter managed to comfortably see out the rest of the match.