Lautaro Martínez Brace Ensures Inter in Pursuit of Frontrunners
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a late double to earn his side a 2-0 victory at Pisa, ensuring the visitors very much involved in the Serie A championship battle despite a less than convincing display.
Standings Overview
Under manager Cristian Chivu, Inter currently are placed third in the table with 27 points, level with runner-up Roma and only one point adrift of leaders Milan. In contrast, Pisa occupy the third bottom spot with 10 points.
Match Summary
Inter traveled in Tuscany aiming to get back on track after suffering a loss to rivals by Milan recently, followed by a Champions League loss at Atlético Madrid. However, they were forced to fight throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts created plenty of chances, but a efficient Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when Argentine Martínez drilled a one-time shot into the roof of the net. The attacker then finished from close range with seven minutes remaining.
Inter’s ability to score even with difficult circumstances proved crucial in earning three points.
Other Continental Matches
Across in Spain, the Basque side mounted a dramatic fightback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a goal five minutes into added time. Villarreal’s scoring came from Ayoze Pérez shortly 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 last word deep into stoppage time.
Later on La Liga fixture, Real Madrid travel to Girona requiring a win 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 Serie A title.
- Martínez demonstrated his value with a decisive display.
- The battle for first goes on with multiple clubs in the mix.
