Lautaro Martínez Brace Keeps Inter in Pursuit of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez scored a second-half double to secure his side a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the away side very much engaged in the Serie A title race in spite of a less than convincing display.
Standings Update
Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter currently are placed in third position in the table with 27 points, tied with second-placed Roma and only one point behind table-toppers Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa occupy the 18th spot with 10 points.
Game Recap
Inter traveled in Tuscany looking to get back on track after enduring a derby defeat by Milan recently, which was followed by a Champions League loss at Atlético Madrid. However, they were forced to fight all the way by promoted Pisa. The hosts generated numerous opportunities, but a efficient Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when Argentinian Martínez smacked a one-time shot into the roof of the net. The forward then tapped in from point-blank seven minutes from time.
Inter’s ability to score even with difficult circumstances was crucial in securing the victory.
Other European Action
In Spain, the Basque side staged a dramatic fightback 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 shortly 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. However, Moleiro had the last word late in stoppage time.
Later on Spanish fixture, Real Madrid travel to Girona needing a victory to go back to the summit ahead of Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on Saturday.
- Inter remain in tight pursuit for the Serie A title.
- Martínez demonstrated his value with a match-winning performance.
- The title race continues with multiple teams competing.
