Lautaro Martínez Brace Keeps Inter on Tail of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez scored a second-half brace to earn his side a 2-0 win at Pisa, ensuring the away side very much involved in the Serie A title race in spite of a somewhat shaky display.
Standings Overview
Under Cristian Chivu, Inter currently sit third in the standings with 27 points, level with second-placed Roma and only one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa occupy the third bottom spot with 10 points.
Match Recap
Inter traveled in Tuscany aiming to get back on track after suffering a derby defeat by Milan recently, which was followed by a European defeat at Atlético Madrid. However, they were made to battle all the way by promoted Pisa. The hosts generated plenty of chances, but a efficient Inter scored the opener 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.
The team’s capacity to convert even with pressure was crucial in securing three points.
Additional Continental Action
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. Villarreal’s scoring came from Ayoze Pérez just after the half-hour mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler soon pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea leveled the score three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro delivered the final say deep into stoppage time.
In the late Spanish match, Real Madrid journey to Girona requiring a victory to go back to the summit ahead of Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on the previous day.
- Inter remain in close contention for the Italian crown.
- Martínez demonstrated his worth with a match-winning display.
- The battle for first goes on with multiple teams competing.
