Lautaro Martínez Brace Keeps Inter Milan in Pursuit of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez scored a second-half double to secure his team a 2-0 win at Pisa, ensuring the away side firmly engaged in the Italian league title race in spite of a somewhat shaky performance.
League Table Update
Under manager Cristian Chivu, Inter currently are placed in third position in the table with 27 points, level with runner-up Roma and just one point behind table-toppers Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa hold the 18th spot with 10 points.
Game Summary
Inter traveled in Tuscany aiming to get back on track after suffering a derby defeat by Milan last weekend, which was followed by a Champions League loss at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were forced to fight all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team generated plenty of opportunities, but a efficient Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute mark when Argentine Martínez smacked a first-time shot into the roof of the net. The forward then tapped in from close range with seven minutes remaining.
Inter’s ability to convert even with difficult circumstances was crucial in earning the victory.
Other Continental Matches
Across 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 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 soon pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea equalised three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro delivered the last word deep into added time.
In the late Spanish fixture, Real Madrid journey to Girona needing a win to go back to the summit ahead of Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.
- The Nerazzurri remain in close pursuit for the Serie A title.
- Martínez demonstrated his value with a match-winning display.
- The title race continues with multiple clubs in the mix.
