Lautaro Martínez Brace Keeps Inter Milan on Tail of Frontrunners
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez scored a second-half double to earn his team a 2-0 win at Pisa, keeping the away side firmly engaged in the Italian league championship battle in spite of a less than convincing display.
Standings Overview
Under manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now sit in third position in the table with 27 points, level with runner-up Roma and only one point behind table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa hold the 18th spot with 10 points.
Game Summary
Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after enduring a derby defeat by Milan last weekend, which was followed by a European loss at Atlético Madrid. However, they were forced to fight all the way by promoted Pisa. The home team generated numerous chances, but a efficient Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute mark when Argentinian Martínez drilled a one-time shot into the top of the net. The attacker then tapped in from close range seven minutes from time.
Inter’s ability to score despite pressure was crucial in earning three points.
Additional Continental Matches
In Spain, the Basque side mounted a dramatic fightback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a goal five minutes into stoppage time. Villarreal’s scoring came from Ayoze Pérez just after the 30-minute mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler soon pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea equalised three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro had the final say late in added time.
In the late La Liga match, Real Madrid travel to Girona needing a win to return to the summit above Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.
- The Nerazzurri stay in close pursuit for the Italian title.
- Martínez demonstrated his value with a match-winning display.
- The battle for first continues with several teams in the mix.
