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Double joy for Martins as Inter clinch group
Nigerian striker Obafemi Martins scored twice as Inter Milan defeated Anderlecht 3-0 to win Group G of the Champions League.
The Italian side came into the match having already qualified, but needed three points to ensure first place and an easier draw in the knockout stages.
Anderlecht, who were already eliminated from the competition and unable to console themselves with a place in the UEFA Cup, finished bottom with no points from their six matches.
Julio Cruz gave the home side a half-time lead before Martins's two cool finishes within the space of three minutes ended the contest and maintained Inter's unbeaten record at home and abroad.
Martins, who was left out of the Inter team that won 5-0 against Messina on Sunday because he had taken something for a cold and feared he might test positive if called upon by doping officials, was delighted to be back in action.
"I was very happy to play, let alone score two goals," said the Nigeria international.
"It was a good night for me, but the whole team played well. Let's hope we can continue like this."
Inter enjoyed plenty of possession without creating much in the final third of the pitch until a sweeping move broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute.
Cruz played a quick one-two with Alvaro Recoba, whose cheeky back heel set up the Argentinian and his right-footed shot from an acute angle found the bottom corner.
European champions in 1964 and 1965, Inter would have increased their advantage on the stroke of half-time had it not been for two splendid saves from the Belgian side's keeper Jan van Steenberghe, who was only playing because Daniel Zitka broke his arm in training on Monday.
First the Anderlecht reserve clawed away Martins' close range effort, before tipping Marco Materazzi's bullet header over the bar.
The 20-year-old Martins was not to be denied and he put Inter firmly in control on the hour.
A long pass out of defence from Edgar Davids found him onside and up against the last defender.
The speedy Nigerian brought the ball under control and turned inside Lamine Traore before planting a low right-footed shot past van Steenberghe from 10 yards for his third goal in four Champions League appearances this season.
Three minutes later Martins doubled his tally with an almost identical goal.
Running onto Emre Belozoglu's low through-ball from the halfway line, he took two touches to set himself up before sliding the ball beneath van Steenberghe, this time with his left foot. |
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