Lautaro Martínez Double Keeps Inter Milan in Pursuit of Leaders
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez scored a second-half double to earn his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the visitors very much involved in the Serie A title race in spite of a somewhat shaky display.
Standings Update
Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter currently are placed in third position in the table with 27 points, level with runner-up Roma and just one point behind table-toppers Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa occupy the 18th position with 10 points.
Game Summary
Inter arrived in Tuscany aiming to get back on track after suffering a derby defeat by Milan last weekend, followed by a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were made to battle all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team generated numerous chances, but a efficient Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute mark when Argentinian Martínez drilled a one-time shot into the roof of the net. The forward then tapped in from close range with seven minutes remaining.
Inter’s ability to score even with difficult circumstances was crucial in earning three points.
Other European Action
In Spain, the Basque side mounted a thrilling fightback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a late strike five minutes into stoppage time. Villarreal’s scoring came from Ayoze Pérez shortly after the half-hour mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler quickly pulled one back 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 travel to Girona needing a win to return to the top above Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on the previous day.
- The Nerazzurri remain in close pursuit for the Serie A title.
- Martínez demonstrated his worth with a decisive performance.
- The battle for first continues with multiple clubs in the mix.
