Lautaro Martínez Brace Ensures Inter Milan on Tail of Frontrunners
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half brace to earn his side a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the visitors very much involved in the Serie A title race despite a less than convincing display.
League Table Update
Led by Cristian Chivu, Inter currently sit in third position in the standings with 27 points, tied with runner-up Roma and just one point behind leaders Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa occupy the third bottom spot with 10 points.
Game Recap
Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after enduring a derby defeat by Milan recently, which was followed by a European loss at Atlético Madrid. However, they were forced to fight throughout by promoted Pisa. The home team generated numerous opportunities, but a clinical Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when Argentine Martínez drilled a first-time shot into the top of the net. The attacker then finished from close range seven minutes from time.
The team’s capacity to score despite difficult circumstances was crucial in earning three points.
Additional Continental Action
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’ scoring came from Ayoze Pérez just after the half-hour mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler quickly reduced the deficit and Ander Barrenetxea equalised three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro had the final say deep into added time.
In the late Spanish match, Real Madrid journey to Girona requiring a win to return to the top above Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on the previous day.
- The Nerazzurri stay in tight contention for the Italian title.
- Martínez demonstrated his worth with a match-winning display.
- The battle for first continues with multiple teams in the mix.
