Lautaro Martínez Brace Ensures Inter Milan on Tail of Frontrunners
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez scored a second-half double to secure his side a 2-0 victory at Pisa, ensuring the away side very much involved in the Italian league championship battle in spite of a somewhat shaky display.
Standings Overview
Under Cristian Chivu, Inter currently are placed third in the standings with 27 points, tied with second-placed Roma and just one point adrift of leaders Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa hold the third bottom spot with 10 points.
Game Recap
Inter traveled in Tuscany aiming to get back on track after enduring a derby defeat by Milan last weekend, followed by a European defeat at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were made to battle all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts created plenty of opportunities, but a clinical Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute when Argentine Martínez smacked a first-time shot into the roof of the net. The attacker then finished from point-blank seven minutes from time.
The team’s ability to score even with pressure was decisive in earning the victory.
Additional European Action
In Spain, the Basque side mounted a thrilling 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 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 delivered the last word late in added time.
In the late La Liga match, Real Madrid journey to Girona requiring a victory to return to the top ahead of Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.
- The Nerazzurri remain in tight pursuit for the Serie A title.
- Martínez proved his value with a match-winning display.
- The battle for first continues with several teams competing.
