Lautaro Martínez Double Ensures Inter on Tail of Frontrunners
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez scored a late brace to earn his team a 2-0 win at Pisa, ensuring the away side firmly involved in the Serie A title race despite a somewhat shaky performance.
League Table Overview
Under manager Cristian Chivu, Inter currently are placed third in the standings with 27 points, tied with runner-up Roma and just one point behind leaders Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa hold the third bottom spot with 10 points.
Match Summary
Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to get back on track after enduring a loss to rivals by Milan last weekend, followed by a European loss 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 broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when Argentinian Martínez smacked a first-time shot into the top of the net. The forward then tapped in from close range seven minutes from time.
The team’s ability to convert despite pressure proved crucial in earning the victory.
Other European Action
Across in Spain, the Basque side staged 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. Villarreal’s scoring came from Ayoze Pérez just after the 30-minute 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 delivered the last word deep into added time.
Later on Spanish fixture, Real Madrid journey to Girona requiring a win to go back to the top above Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.
- The Nerazzurri remain in tight contention for the Italian title.
- Martínez proved his value with a match-winning performance.
- The battle for first goes on with multiple clubs competing.