Lautaro Martínez Brace Keeps Inter on Tail of Frontrunners
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half brace to earn his side a 2-0 win at Pisa, ensuring the away side firmly engaged in the Italian league title race despite a somewhat shaky display.
Standings Update
Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed third in the table with 27 points, tied with runner-up Roma and just one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa hold the third bottom spot with 10 points.
Match Summary
Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to get back on track after enduring a loss to rivals by Milan recently, which was followed by a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were made to battle all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team generated numerous opportunities, but a efficient Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute when Argentine Martínez smacked a one-time shot into the top of the net. The forward then tapped in from close range seven minutes from time.
Inter’s ability to convert even with pressure proved decisive in securing three points.
Other European Matches
Across in Spain, the Basque side mounted a dramatic fightback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a goal five minutes into added time. Villarreal’s scoring came from Ayoze Pérez shortly after the half-hour mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler quickly pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea leveled the score three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro had the final say late in stoppage time.
Later on La Liga fixture, Real Madrid travel to Girona requiring a win to return to the summit above Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on the previous day.
- The Nerazzurri stay in close pursuit for the Serie A title.
- Martínez proved his worth with a decisive performance.
- The battle for first continues with multiple teams in the mix.
