Lautaro Martínez Brace Keeps Inter Milan in Pursuit of Frontrunners
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez scored a late double to secure his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the visitors very much engaged in the Italian league title race despite a less than convincing performance.
League Table Update
Under Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed third in the standings with 27 points, level with second-placed Roma and only one point behind leaders Milan. In contrast, Pisa occupy the 18th position with 10 points.
Game Recap
Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after enduring a loss to rivals by Milan last weekend, which was followed by a European defeat at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were forced to fight all the way by promoted Pisa. The home team generated plenty of chances, but a clinical Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when Argentine Martínez smacked a first-time shot into the roof of the net. The forward then tapped in from close range seven minutes from time.
Inter’s capacity to score even with pressure was crucial in securing the victory.
Other Continental Matches
Across in Spain, the Basque side mounted a dramatic fightback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a goal five minutes into added time. The visitors’ scoring came from Ayoze Pérez shortly after the 30-minute mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler quickly 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 fixture, Real Madrid travel to Girona needing a win to go back to the top above Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 win over Alavés on Saturday.
- The Nerazzurri remain in tight pursuit for the Serie A crown.
- Martínez proved his value with a match-winning performance.
- The battle for first goes on with multiple clubs competing.
