Lautaro Martínez Double Ensures Inter on Tail of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez scored a second-half brace to earn his team a 2-0 win at Pisa, ensuring the visitors firmly engaged in the Serie A championship battle in spite of a less than convincing display.
Standings Update
Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed third in the standings with 27 points total, tied with runner-up Roma and just one point behind table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa occupy the 18th spot with 10 points.
Game Summary
Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after enduring a derby defeat by Milan last weekend, which was followed by a European defeat at Atlético Madrid. However, they were forced to fight all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts created plenty of opportunities, but a clinical Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when Argentine Martínez drilled a one-time shot into the top of the net. The forward then finished from point-blank with seven minutes remaining.
The team’s capacity to score despite pressure proved crucial in securing the victory.
Additional European Matches
Across in Spain, the Basque side staged a thrilling fightback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to lose 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 quickly reduced the deficit and Ander Barrenetxea equalised three minutes from time. However, Moleiro delivered the final say late in stoppage time.
Later on Spanish match, Real Madrid travel to Girona needing a victory to go back to the summit ahead of Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on Saturday.
- The Nerazzurri stay in tight contention for the Italian title.
- Martínez proved his worth with a match-winning performance.
- The title race continues with multiple teams competing.
