Lautaro Martínez Brace Keeps Inter in Pursuit of Leaders
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez scored a second-half brace to secure his team a 2-0 win at Pisa, keeping the away side very much involved in the Serie A championship battle despite a somewhat shaky display.
League Table Update
Under manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now sit in third position in the table with 27 points total, level with runner-up Roma and just one point adrift of leaders Milan. In contrast, Pisa occupy the third bottom position with 10 points.
Match Recap
Inter traveled in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after enduring a derby defeat by Milan recently, followed by a European loss at Atlético Madrid. However, they were forced to fight all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team created numerous opportunities, but a clinical Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute mark when Argentine Martínez drilled a one-time shot into the roof of the net. The attacker then tapped in from close range seven minutes from time.
The team’s capacity to convert despite difficult circumstances proved crucial in securing the victory.
Other European Action
In Spain, the Basque side staged a dramatic comeback from 2-0 down to equalize 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 reduced the deficit and Ander Barrenetxea equalised three minutes from time. However, Moleiro delivered the final say late in added time.
Later on Spanish fixture, Real Madrid journey to Girona needing a victory to return to the summit above Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.
- Inter remain in tight pursuit for the Serie A title.
- Martínez demonstrated his worth with a decisive performance.
- The title race goes on with several clubs in the mix.