Lautaro Martínez Brace Ensures Inter Milan on Tail of Frontrunners
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half double to earn his side a 2-0 victory at Pisa, ensuring the visitors very much engaged in the Serie A title race in spite of a less than convincing display.
Standings Overview
Under manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now sit third in the table with 27 points, level with runner-up Roma and only one point adrift of leaders Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa hold the third bottom position with 10 points.
Game Summary
Inter traveled in Tuscany looking to get back on track after suffering a derby defeat by Milan recently, followed by a European defeat at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were made to battle all the way by promoted Pisa. The hosts created numerous opportunities, but a clinical 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 ability to score even with pressure was crucial in earning three points.
Additional European Matches
In Spain, the Basque side staged a dramatic fightback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a goal five minutes into stoppage time. Villarreal’s 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. However, Moleiro delivered the last word deep into stoppage time.
In the late Spanish match, Real Madrid journey to Girona needing a victory to go back to the summit ahead of Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on the previous day.
- The Nerazzurri remain in close pursuit for the Italian crown.
- Martínez demonstrated his value with a match-winning display.
- The battle for first goes on with multiple clubs in the mix.
