Lautaro Martínez Brace Ensures Inter on Tail of Leaders
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez scored a late brace to secure his side a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the visitors firmly engaged in the Italian league championship battle in spite of a somewhat shaky performance.
Standings Overview
Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed third in the table with 27 points, tied with second-placed Roma and only one point behind leaders Milan. In contrast, Pisa occupy the third bottom spot with 10 points.
Match Summary
Inter traveled in Tuscany aiming to return to winning ways after suffering a derby defeat by Milan recently, which was followed by a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. However, they were made to battle throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts created numerous opportunities, but a clinical Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute mark when Argentine Martínez drilled a first-time shot into the roof of the net. The attacker then finished from close range seven minutes from time.
Inter’s capacity to convert despite pressure proved crucial in earning three points.
Other Continental Action
In Spain, the Basque side staged a dramatic fightback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a goal five minutes into added time. Villarreal’s goals came from Ayoze Pérez shortly 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. Yet, Moleiro had the last word deep into added time.
In the late Spanish fixture, Real Madrid journey to Girona needing a victory to go back to the top above Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on Saturday.
- The Nerazzurri remain in tight contention for the Serie A title.
- Martínez proved his worth with a match-winning display.
- The battle for first goes on with several teams in the mix.
