Lautaro Martínez Double Ensures Inter in Pursuit of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half brace to secure his side a 2-0 win at Pisa, ensuring the away side very much involved in the Serie A title race in spite of a less than convincing display.
Standings Overview
Under manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed third in the standings with 27 points, level with second-placed Roma and just one point behind table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa occupy the third bottom spot with 10 points.
Game Summary
Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after enduring a loss to rivals by Milan last weekend, followed by a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. However, they were forced to fight all the way by promoted Pisa. The hosts created numerous opportunities, but a efficient Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute mark when Argentinian Martínez drilled a one-time shot into the roof of the net. The forward then finished from close range with seven minutes remaining.
Inter’s ability to convert even with difficult circumstances proved decisive in securing the victory.
Other European Action
In Spain, the Basque side staged a thrilling comeback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a late strike five minutes into stoppage time. The visitors’ goals came from Ayoze Pérez shortly 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. However, Moleiro delivered the last word late in added time.
In the late Spanish fixture, Real Madrid journey to Girona requiring a win to go back to the summit ahead of Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 win over Alavés on Saturday.
- Inter remain in tight contention for the Serie A title.
- Martínez proved his worth with a match-winning display.
- The battle for first goes on with several teams in the mix.
