Lautaro Martínez Double Ensures Inter on Tail of Frontrunners
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a late brace to earn his side a 2-0 victory at Pisa, ensuring the visitors firmly involved in the Italian league championship battle in spite of a less than convincing display.
Standings Update
Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter currently are placed third in the table with 27 points, level with runner-up Roma and just one point behind table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa hold the third bottom position with 10 points.
Game Summary
Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to get back on track after enduring a derby defeat 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 plenty of opportunities, but a efficient Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute when Argentinian Martínez smacked a first-time shot into the top of the net. The forward then tapped in from point-blank seven minutes from time.
The team’s capacity to convert despite difficult circumstances was crucial in securing three points.
Additional European Action
Across in Spain, the Basque side mounted a dramatic comeback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a late strike five minutes into stoppage time. Villarreal’s scoring came from Ayoze Pérez just after the half-hour mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler quickly reduced the deficit and Ander Barrenetxea leveled the score three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro had the final say deep into added time.
Later on La Liga fixture, Real Madrid travel to Girona requiring a win to go back to the summit above Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.
- The Nerazzurri remain in tight contention for the Serie A crown.
- Martínez demonstrated his value with a match-winning performance.
- The title race continues with multiple clubs competing.
