Lautaro Martínez Double Ensures Inter on Tail of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a late brace to earn his team a 2-0 win at Pisa, ensuring the visitors very much engaged in the Italian league championship battle in spite of a less than convincing performance.
Standings Overview
Under Cristian Chivu, Inter currently sit in third position in the standings with 27 points, level with second-placed Roma and only one point behind table-toppers Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa hold the 18th spot with 10 points.
Match Recap
Inter arrived in Tuscany aiming to return to winning ways after suffering a derby defeat by Milan last weekend, followed by a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. However, they were made to battle all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts created plenty of chances, but a efficient Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute when Argentinian Martínez drilled a one-time shot into the top of the net. The attacker then tapped in from close range with seven minutes remaining.
Inter’s capacity to score despite difficult circumstances was decisive in securing three points.
Other Continental Action
Across in Spain, the Basque side staged a dramatic comeback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a goal five minutes into stoppage time. Villarreal’s scoring came from Ayoze Pérez shortly after the half-hour mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler quickly pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea leveled the score three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro had the final say deep into stoppage time.
Later on La Liga fixture, Real Madrid journey to Girona requiring a victory to go back to the summit ahead of Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.
- The Nerazzurri remain in tight pursuit for the Italian crown.
- Martínez demonstrated his value with a match-winning performance.
- The title race continues with multiple clubs competing.
