Lautaro Martínez Brace Ensures Inter Milan on Tail of Frontrunners
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half double to secure his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, ensuring the away side very much involved in the Serie A title race despite a less than convincing display.
Standings Update
Under Cristian Chivu, Inter currently sit third in the table with 27 points, level with runner-up Roma and just one point behind table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa occupy the third bottom spot with 10 points.
Game Recap
Inter traveled in Tuscany looking to get back on track after enduring a loss to rivals by Milan last weekend, followed by a Champions League loss at Atlético Madrid. However, they were made to battle all the way by promoted Pisa. The home team generated numerous opportunities, but a clinical Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute mark when Argentinian Martínez smacked a first-time shot into the roof of the net. The forward then tapped in from point-blank with seven minutes remaining.
Inter’s capacity to score even with pressure was decisive in earning the victory.
Other European Matches
Across in Spain, the Basque side staged a thrilling comeback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a late strike five minutes into stoppage time. The visitors’ scoring came from Ayoze Pérez just after the half-hour mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler soon pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea equalised three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro had the last word late in added time.
Later on La Liga match, Real Madrid travel to Girona needing a victory to go back to the summit above Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on the previous day.
- The Nerazzurri remain in close contention for the Italian title.
- Martínez proved his value with a match-winning display.
- The title race goes on with multiple teams competing.
