Lautaro Martínez Brace Keeps Inter Milan on Tail of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half double to earn his side a 2-0 victory at Pisa, ensuring the visitors firmly involved in the Italian league title race despite a less than convincing performance.
League Table Update
Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter currently sit third in the standings with 27 points, tied with runner-up Roma and just one point adrift of leaders Milan. In contrast, Pisa occupy the third bottom position with 10 points.
Match Recap
Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after suffering a derby defeat by Milan last weekend, followed by a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. However, they were made to battle all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team created numerous chances, but a clinical Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute mark when Argentinian Martínez drilled a first-time shot into the top of the net. The forward then tapped in from close range with seven minutes remaining.
Inter’s ability to convert even with pressure was decisive in earning the victory.
Additional European Matches
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 late strike five minutes into added time. The visitors’ goals came from Ayoze Pérez just after the half-hour 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. However, Moleiro delivered the last word late in stoppage time.
Later on Spanish fixture, Real Madrid travel to Girona requiring a victory to return to the top above Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 win over Alavés on Saturday.
- Inter remain in close contention for the Serie A title.
- Martínez proved his value with a decisive display.
- The battle for first continues with multiple clubs in the mix.
