Lautaro Martínez Double Ensures Inter on Tail of Frontrunners
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez scored a late double to earn his team a 2-0 win at Pisa, keeping the visitors firmly engaged in the Serie A championship battle despite a less than convincing performance.
Standings Overview
Under manager Cristian Chivu, Inter currently are placed in third position in the standings with 27 points total, level with second-placed Roma and only one point adrift of leaders Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa occupy the 18th position with 10 points.
Game Summary
Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to get back on track after enduring a derby defeat by Milan recently, followed by a Champions League loss at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were forced to fight all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts created numerous opportunities, but a clinical Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute when Argentinian Martínez drilled a first-time shot into the top of the net. The forward then tapped in from close range with seven minutes remaining.
Inter’s ability to score even with difficult circumstances proved crucial in securing three points.
Other European Matches
In Spain, the Basque side mounted a thrilling comeback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a goal five minutes into added time. The visitors’ scoring came from Ayoze Pérez shortly after the half-hour mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler quickly reduced the deficit and Ander Barrenetxea equalised three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro had the last word late in added time.
In the late Spanish fixture, Real Madrid travel to Girona requiring a victory to go back to the top above Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.
- The Nerazzurri remain in tight pursuit for the Italian title.
- Martínez proved his value with a match-winning performance.
- The title race goes on with several teams competing.
