Lautaro Martínez Double Ensures Inter Milan on Tail of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half brace to earn his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, ensuring the away side firmly engaged in the Italian league title race in spite of a less than convincing performance.
Standings Update
Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter currently sit third in the table with 27 points, level with second-placed Roma and only one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa hold the 18th spot with 10 points.
Game Summary
Inter arrived in Tuscany aiming to get back on track after enduring a derby defeat by Milan last weekend, which was followed by a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. However, they were made to battle throughout by promoted Pisa. The hosts generated numerous opportunities, but a clinical Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute mark when Argentinian Martínez smacked a first-time shot into the top of the net. The forward then finished from point-blank seven minutes from time.
Inter’s ability to convert despite pressure was decisive in earning three points.
Other European Action
Across in Spain, the Basque side staged a dramatic comeback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a late strike five minutes into stoppage time. The visitors’ scoring came from Ayoze Pérez just after the 30-minute mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler soon reduced the deficit and Ander Barrenetxea leveled the score three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro delivered the final say deep into stoppage time.
In the late La Liga fixture, Real Madrid journey to Girona requiring a victory to go back to the summit above Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 win over Alavés on Saturday.
- Inter remain in tight pursuit for the Serie A title.
- Martínez proved his worth with a decisive performance.
- The battle for first continues with several clubs competing.
