Lautaro Martínez Brace Ensures Inter Milan on Tail of Frontrunners
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half double to earn his side a 2-0 win at Pisa, keeping the visitors very much involved in the Serie A championship battle in spite of a less than convincing display.
Standings Update
Under Cristian Chivu, Inter currently are placed third in the table with 27 points, tied with runner-up Roma and just one point behind table-toppers Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa occupy the third bottom position with 10 points.
Match Recap
Inter traveled in Tuscany looking to get back on track after suffering a loss to rivals by Milan last weekend, followed by a Champions League loss at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were made to battle throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts created numerous opportunities, but a clinical Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when Argentinian Martínez smacked a first-time shot into the top of the net. The forward then finished from close range seven minutes from time.
The team’s ability to convert even with difficult circumstances proved crucial in securing the victory.
Other Continental Matches
In Spain, the Basque side staged a dramatic comeback from 2-0 down to equalize 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 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. However, Moleiro delivered the final say late in stoppage time.
Later on La Liga fixture, Real Madrid travel to Girona requiring a victory to return to the summit above Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.
- Inter stay in close pursuit for the Serie A title.
- Martínez demonstrated his value with a decisive performance.
- The title race continues with multiple teams competing.
