Lautaro Martínez Brace Keeps Inter on Tail of Frontrunners
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half brace to secure his team a 2-0 win at Pisa, keeping the visitors firmly engaged in the Italian league title race despite a less than convincing display.
Standings Overview
Under Cristian Chivu, Inter currently are placed third in the standings with 27 points, level with second-placed Roma and only one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa occupy the third bottom position with 10 points.
Game Recap
Inter traveled in Tuscany aiming to get back on track after suffering a derby defeat by Milan last weekend, followed by a European loss at Atlético Madrid. However, they were made to battle throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team created plenty of opportunities, but a efficient Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute mark when Argentine Martínez drilled a first-time shot into the roof of the net. The attacker then tapped in from point-blank seven minutes from time.
Inter’s capacity to score despite pressure proved crucial in securing three points.
Other Continental Matches
Across in Spain, the Basque side staged a thrilling fightback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a late strike five minutes into added time. The visitors’ goals came from Ayoze Pérez shortly after the half-hour mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler soon reduced the deficit 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 travel to Girona requiring a victory to return to the summit above Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on the previous day.
- Inter stay in tight contention for the Serie A title.
- Martínez demonstrated his worth with a match-winning performance.
- The battle for first continues with several clubs competing.