Lautaro Martínez Brace Keeps Inter on Tail of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half brace to secure his team a 2-0 win at Pisa, keeping the visitors firmly engaged in the Italian league championship battle despite a less than convincing display.
League Table Update
Under manager Cristian Chivu, Inter currently sit third in the standings with 27 points total, level with runner-up Roma and just one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa hold the third bottom spot with 10 points.
Match Summary
Inter traveled in Tuscany aiming to return to winning ways after suffering a loss to rivals by Milan last weekend, followed by a Champions League loss at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were forced to fight throughout by promoted Pisa. The home team generated plenty of opportunities, but a efficient Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute when Argentinian Martínez smacked a first-time shot into the top of the net. The forward then tapped in from point-blank with seven minutes remaining.
Inter’s capacity to convert even with pressure proved crucial in earning the victory.
Additional European Action
In Spain, the Basque side mounted a thrilling comeback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a late strike five minutes into added time. The visitors’ scoring came from Ayoze Pérez just 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 delivered the final say deep into added time.
In the late La Liga match, Real Madrid journey to Girona requiring a win to go back to the summit ahead of Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on Saturday.
- Inter stay in close contention for the Italian crown.
- Martínez demonstrated his worth with a decisive performance.
- The battle for first continues with several clubs in the mix.
