Lautaro Martínez Double Ensures Inter in Pursuit of Frontrunners
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez scored a second-half double to secure his side a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the away side very much engaged in the Serie A title race in spite of a less than convincing performance.
Standings Update
Under Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed third in the table with 27 points, level with runner-up Roma and just one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa hold the third bottom position with 10 points.
Game Recap
Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to get back on track after enduring a loss to rivals by Milan recently, followed by a European defeat at Atlético Madrid. However, they were forced to fight throughout by promoted Pisa. The home team created numerous opportunities, but a clinical Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute mark when Argentinian Martínez smacked a first-time shot into the roof of the net. The attacker then tapped in from point-blank seven minutes from time.
The team’s ability to score despite pressure proved crucial in earning three points.
Other European Action
Across in Spain, the Basque side staged a dramatic comeback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a goal five minutes into stoppage time. Villarreal’s goals came from Ayoze Pérez just after the 30-minute 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. Yet, Moleiro delivered the final say late in added time.
Later on La Liga match, Real Madrid journey to Girona requiring a win to return to the top ahead of Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on Saturday.
- The Nerazzurri stay in tight contention for the Italian crown.
- Martínez demonstrated his worth with a decisive performance.
- The battle for first goes on with multiple teams in the mix.
