Lautaro Martínez Double Keeps Inter on Tail of Leaders
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez scored a second-half brace to earn his side a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the away side firmly involved in the Italian league championship battle in spite of a somewhat shaky performance.
Standings Overview
Under Cristian Chivu, Inter now sit in third position in the table with 27 points total, level with second-placed Roma and just one point behind table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa occupy the 18th position with 10 points.
Match Recap
Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to get back on track after enduring a loss to rivals by Milan last weekend, which was followed by a European defeat at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were made to battle all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts generated numerous opportunities, but a clinical Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute mark when Argentinian Martínez smacked a first-time shot into the top of the net. The forward then tapped in from point-blank seven minutes from time.
Inter’s capacity to convert despite pressure was crucial in securing three points.
Other Continental Matches
In Spain, the Basque side staged a dramatic fightback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a late strike five minutes into added 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 reduced the deficit and Ander Barrenetxea leveled the score three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro delivered the final say deep into stoppage time.
In the late Spanish match, Real Madrid travel to Girona requiring a victory to go back to the top above Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on the previous day.
- The Nerazzurri remain in tight pursuit for the Serie A crown.
- Martínez proved his worth with a match-winning performance.
- The battle for first continues with several teams in the mix.
