Lautaro Martínez Brace Ensures Inter in Pursuit of Leaders
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez netted a late double to earn his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the visitors very much engaged in the Serie A title race despite a somewhat shaky performance.
League Table Overview
Under Cristian Chivu, Inter currently are placed third in the standings with 27 points, tied with runner-up Roma and only one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa occupy the 18th position with 10 points.
Match Summary
Inter arrived in Tuscany aiming to get back on track after suffering a loss to rivals by Milan last weekend, followed by a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. However, they were forced to fight throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team generated plenty of chances, but a efficient Inter scored the opener 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 convert even with pressure was decisive in securing three points.
Other Continental Matches
Across in Spain, the Basque side mounted a thrilling fightback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a goal five minutes into added time. Villarreal’s goals came from Ayoze Pérez just after the half-hour mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler quickly pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea equalised three minutes from time. However, Moleiro had the last word late in stoppage time.
In the late Spanish fixture, Real Madrid journey 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 value with a decisive performance.
- The battle for first goes on with multiple teams in the mix.
