Lautaro Martínez Brace Keeps Inter Milan on Tail of Frontrunners
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half brace to earn his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, ensuring the away side very much engaged in the Italian league title race despite a less than convincing display.
League Table Update
Under manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed in third position in the standings with 27 points total, tied with second-placed Roma and just one point behind leaders Milan. In contrast, Pisa occupy the third bottom spot with 10 points.
Match Recap
Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after enduring a loss to rivals by Milan last weekend, followed by a European loss at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were made to battle all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team created plenty of chances, but a clinical Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute mark when Argentine Martínez smacked a one-time shot into the top of the net. The attacker then finished from point-blank seven minutes from time.
Inter’s ability to convert even with pressure was decisive in earning three points.
Other European Action
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. Villarreal’s scoring came from Ayoze Pérez shortly after the 30-minute 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 delivered the last word late in added time.
Later on La Liga fixture, Real Madrid travel to Girona requiring a win to return to the summit above Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.
- Inter remain in tight pursuit for the Serie A crown.
- Martínez proved his worth with a match-winning performance.
- The title race continues with multiple teams in the mix.
