Lautaro Martínez Double Ensures Inter Milan on Tail of Leaders
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half double to earn his team a 2-0 win at Pisa, keeping the away side firmly engaged in the Serie A championship battle in spite of a somewhat shaky display.
Standings Overview
Under Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed in third position in the table with 27 points, level with runner-up Roma and just one point behind table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa hold the 18th spot with 10 points.
Game Recap
Inter arrived in Tuscany aiming to return to winning ways after enduring a derby defeat by Milan last weekend, which was followed by a Champions League 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 broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when Argentine Martínez smacked a one-time shot into the top of the net. The forward then tapped in from point-blank seven minutes from time.
Inter’s capacity to convert despite difficult circumstances was crucial in securing the victory.
Other Continental Matches
Across in Spain, the Basque side staged a dramatic comeback from 2-0 down to equalize 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 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 final say deep into stoppage time.
Later on Spanish fixture, Real Madrid journey to Girona requiring a victory to go back to the top ahead of Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 win over Alavés on Saturday.
- Inter stay in close contention for the Italian title.
- Martínez proved his worth with a decisive performance.
- The battle for first goes on with several clubs in the mix.
