Lautaro Martínez Brace Ensures Inter on Tail of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half brace to earn his side a 2-0 win at Pisa, ensuring the away side firmly involved in the Italian league championship battle despite a less than convincing display.
Standings Update
Under Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed third in the table with 27 points, level with second-placed Roma and just one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa occupy the 18th position with 10 points.
Match Recap
Inter arrived in Tuscany aiming to return to winning ways after suffering a loss to rivals by Milan last weekend, which was followed by a European loss at Atlético Madrid. However, they were made to battle throughout by promoted Pisa. The hosts created plenty of chances, but a efficient Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute mark when Argentinian Martínez drilled a one-time shot into the top of the net. The attacker then finished from close range seven minutes from time.
The team’s ability to score even with pressure proved decisive in securing the victory.
Additional Continental Matches
Across in Spain, the Basque side mounted a thrilling comeback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a goal five minutes into stoppage time. The visitors’ scoring came from Ayoze Pérez just after the 30-minute mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler soon pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea equalised three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro delivered the final say deep into added time.
In the late Spanish fixture, Real Madrid journey to Girona requiring a victory to go back to the top ahead of Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on Saturday.
- Inter remain in close pursuit for the Serie A title.
- Martínez demonstrated his worth with a match-winning performance.
- The battle for first goes on with multiple teams competing.
