Lautaro Martínez Double Ensures Inter in Pursuit of Frontrunners
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez scored a late double to earn his team a 2-0 win at Pisa, keeping the visitors firmly engaged in the Italian league championship battle in spite of a less than convincing performance.
Standings Update
Under manager Cristian Chivu, Inter currently sit in third position in the table with 27 points total, level with second-placed Roma and only one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa occupy the 18th spot with 10 points.
Match Summary
Inter traveled in Tuscany aiming to get back on track after suffering a loss to rivals by Milan recently, followed by a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. However, they were made to battle throughout by promoted Pisa. The hosts created plenty of chances, but a efficient Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when Argentine Martínez smacked a one-time shot into the top of the net. The attacker then tapped in from close range seven minutes from time.
The team’s capacity to score even with difficult circumstances proved crucial in securing three points.
Additional European Action
In Spain, the Basque side staged a dramatic comeback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a late strike five minutes into stoppage time. Villarreal’s goals came from Ayoze Pérez just 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 had the final say deep into added time.
Later on Spanish match, Real Madrid travel to Girona needing 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 close contention for the Serie A title.
- Martínez demonstrated his value with a match-winning performance.
- The battle for first goes on with several teams in the mix.
