Lautaro Martínez Double Keeps Inter in Pursuit of Leaders
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half brace to secure his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, ensuring the away side very much engaged in the Italian league championship battle despite a less than convincing display.
League Table Update
Under manager Cristian Chivu, Inter currently sit third in the standings with 27 points, tied with runner-up Roma and just one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa occupy the 18th spot with 10 points.
Match Recap
Inter traveled in Tuscany aiming to return to winning ways after enduring a loss to rivals by Milan recently, followed by a Champions League loss at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were forced to fight throughout by promoted Pisa. The home team generated plenty of opportunities, but a efficient Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when Argentinian Martínez drilled a one-time shot into the roof of the net. The attacker then tapped in from point-blank seven minutes from time.
Inter’s ability to score despite difficult circumstances proved crucial 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 succumb to a late strike 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 reduced the deficit and Ander Barrenetxea leveled the score three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro had the last word deep into stoppage time.
In the late Spanish fixture, Real Madrid travel to Girona requiring a victory to return to the summit ahead of Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on Saturday.
- The Nerazzurri stay in close contention for the Italian crown.
- Martínez demonstrated his value with a match-winning display.
- The title race continues with several teams in the mix.
