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, keeping the away side very much involved in the Italian league championship battle despite a somewhat shaky performance.
Standings Update
Under manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed third in the table with 27 points total, tied with runner-up Roma and just one point adrift of leaders Milan. In contrast, Pisa occupy the third bottom spot with 10 points.
Game Summary
Inter traveled in Tuscany looking to get back on track after enduring a loss to rivals 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 numerous chances, but a clinical Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute mark when Argentine Martínez smacked a first-time shot into the top of the net. The attacker then tapped in from close range seven minutes from time.
Inter’s capacity to convert despite pressure was decisive in earning three points.
Additional Continental Action
Across in Spain, the Basque side mounted a dramatic fightback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a goal five minutes into stoppage time. The visitors’ goals came from Ayoze Pérez just after the 30-minute 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 had the last word late in stoppage time.
In the late La Liga match, Real Madrid journey to Girona requiring a win to go back to the top ahead of Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on Saturday.
- The Nerazzurri remain in close contention for the Serie A crown.
- Martínez proved his worth with a match-winning performance.
- The title race continues with several teams competing.