Lautaro Martínez Brace Keeps Inter in Pursuit of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half brace to secure his team a 2-0 win at Pisa, keeping the away side very much engaged in the Italian league title race in spite of a less than convincing display.
Standings Overview
Under Cristian Chivu, Inter currently are placed in third position in the table with 27 points total, level with runner-up Roma and just one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa hold the third bottom spot with 10 points.
Game Recap
Inter traveled in Tuscany aiming to return to winning ways after enduring a derby defeat by Milan last weekend, followed by a Champions League loss at Atlético Madrid. However, they were made to battle all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts created numerous opportunities, but a clinical Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when Argentine Martínez smacked a first-time shot into the top of the net. The forward then finished from point-blank seven minutes from time.
Inter’s ability to score even with difficult circumstances proved crucial in earning three points.
Other Continental Action
In Spain, the Basque side staged a thrilling comeback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a goal five minutes into stoppage time. The visitors’ goals 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 leveled the score three minutes from time. However, Moleiro had the final say deep into stoppage time.
In the late Spanish match, Real Madrid journey to Girona requiring a win to return to the top ahead of Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on the previous day.
- The Nerazzurri remain in close contention for the Italian crown.
- Martínez proved his value with a match-winning performance.
- The battle for first continues with multiple clubs in the mix.
