Lautaro Martínez Double Ensures Inter in Pursuit of Frontrunners
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez scored a second-half double to earn his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, ensuring the visitors very much engaged in the Serie A title race despite a somewhat shaky performance.
League Table Update
Led by Cristian Chivu, Inter now sit in third position in the standings with 27 points, tied with runner-up Roma and only one point behind leaders Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa occupy the 18th position with 10 points.
Game Recap
Inter traveled in Tuscany looking to get back on track after suffering a loss to rivals by Milan recently, which was followed by a Champions League loss at Atlético Madrid. However, they were forced to fight throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts created numerous chances, but a clinical Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute mark when Argentinian Martínez drilled a one-time shot into the top of the net. The attacker then tapped in from point-blank seven minutes from time.
The team’s ability to score even with difficult circumstances proved crucial in earning three points.
Other European Action
In Spain, the Basque side staged a dramatic comeback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a late strike five minutes into added time. Villarreal’s goals came from Ayoze Pérez just 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. Yet, Moleiro had the last word late in added time.
In the late Spanish fixture, Real Madrid travel to Girona needing a win to go back to the top ahead of Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.
- The Nerazzurri stay in tight pursuit for the Italian title.
- Martínez proved his worth with a decisive performance.
- The battle for first continues with several teams competing.
