Lautaro Martínez Double Ensures Inter Milan on Tail of Frontrunners
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half brace to secure his side a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the visitors very much involved in the Serie A championship battle in spite of a less than convincing performance.
League Table Overview
Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now sit third in the standings with 27 points total, tied with runner-up Roma and just one point adrift of leaders Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa hold the 18th position with 10 points.
Match Summary
Inter traveled in Tuscany looking to get back on track after suffering a derby defeat by Milan last weekend, followed by a Champions League loss at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were forced to fight all the way by promoted Pisa. The hosts created plenty of opportunities, but a efficient Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute mark 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.
Inter’s ability to convert even with difficult circumstances proved crucial in securing three points.
Other Continental Action
Across in Spain, the Basque side mounted a dramatic fightback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a goal 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 soon pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea leveled the score three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro delivered the last word deep into added time.
Later on La Liga fixture, Real Madrid journey to Girona requiring a victory to return to the top ahead of Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on Saturday.
- The Nerazzurri remain in tight contention for the Italian crown.
- Martínez demonstrated his value with a decisive performance.
- The battle for first goes on with several teams in the mix.
