Lautaro Martínez Brace Ensures Inter on Tail of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half double to secure his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the away side very much engaged in the Italian league championship battle in spite of a somewhat shaky display.
League Table Overview
Under manager Cristian Chivu, Inter currently sit third in the standings with 27 points, tied with second-placed Roma and just one point behind table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa hold the third bottom position with 10 points.
Match Recap
Inter traveled in Tuscany looking to get back on track after enduring a loss to rivals by Milan recently, followed by a European loss at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were forced to fight all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team generated numerous chances, but a efficient Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute mark when Argentinian Martínez smacked a one-time shot into the roof of the net. The attacker then finished from point-blank seven minutes from time.
Inter’s capacity to score despite pressure proved crucial in earning three points.
Additional European Action
Across in Spain, the Basque side mounted a dramatic fightback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a goal five minutes into stoppage time. The visitors’ goals came from Ayoze Pérez just after the 30-minute mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler soon reduced the deficit and Ander Barrenetxea equalised three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro had the final say deep into added time.
In the late La Liga fixture, 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 Serie A title.
- Martínez proved his worth with a match-winning display.
- The battle for first goes on with several clubs competing.
