Lautaro Martínez Brace Ensures Inter Milan on Tail of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half double to earn his team a 2-0 win at Pisa, ensuring the away side very much engaged in the Italian league title race despite a somewhat shaky performance.
League Table Update
Under Cristian Chivu, Inter currently are placed in third position in the standings with 27 points, tied with second-placed Roma and only one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa hold the third bottom position with 10 points.
Match Summary
Inter arrived in Tuscany aiming to return to winning ways after suffering a loss to rivals by Milan recently, which was followed by a Champions League loss at Atlético Madrid. However, they were forced to fight all the way by promoted Pisa. The home team generated plenty of chances, but a clinical Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute when Argentinian Martínez smacked a one-time shot into the top of the net. The attacker then finished from point-blank with seven minutes remaining.
Inter’s ability to convert even with pressure proved decisive in earning three points.
Additional Continental Matches
Across in Spain, the Basque side mounted a dramatic fightback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a late strike five minutes into added time. Villarreal’s goals came from Ayoze Pérez just after the half-hour mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler soon reduced the deficit and Ander Barrenetxea equalised three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro had the final say deep into stoppage time.
Later on La Liga fixture, Real Madrid journey to Girona needing a victory to go back to the summit above Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on Saturday.
- The Nerazzurri remain in tight pursuit for the Serie A title.
- Martínez demonstrated his worth with a decisive performance.
- The battle for first continues with several teams competing.
