Lautaro Martínez Brace Keeps Inter Milan on Tail of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a late double to secure his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, ensuring the away side firmly engaged in the Serie A championship battle despite a less than convincing performance.
League Table Update
Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now sit in third position in the table with 27 points total, tied with second-placed Roma and just one point behind table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa hold the third bottom spot with 10 points.
Match Summary
Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after enduring a loss to rivals by Milan recently, which was followed by a Champions League loss at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were forced to fight throughout by promoted Pisa. The home team generated plenty of chances, but a clinical Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute mark when Argentinian Martínez smacked a one-time shot into the roof of the net. The forward then finished from close range with seven minutes remaining.
Inter’s ability to score even with difficult circumstances proved crucial in earning the victory.
Additional European Action
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 late strike five minutes into stoppage time. The visitors’ 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 leveled the score three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro delivered the last word deep into added time.
Later on La Liga match, Real Madrid travel to Girona requiring a victory to return to the top ahead of Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 win over Alavés on Saturday.
- The Nerazzurri stay in tight contention for the Italian title.
- Martínez proved his value with a decisive performance.
- The title race continues with multiple clubs competing.
