Lautaro Martínez Double Keeps Inter Milan on Tail of Frontrunners
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez scored a second-half brace to earn his side a 2-0 victory at Pisa, ensuring the visitors firmly engaged in the Serie A championship battle in spite of a less than convincing display.
League Table Overview
Under manager Cristian Chivu, Inter currently are placed in third position in the standings with 27 points, level with runner-up Roma and just one point behind leaders Milan. In contrast, Pisa hold the 18th spot with 10 points.
Match Summary
Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to get back on track after enduring a derby defeat by Milan last weekend, which was followed by a European defeat at Atlético Madrid. However, they were made to battle throughout by promoted Pisa. The hosts generated plenty of opportunities, but a efficient Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute when Argentinian Martínez drilled a one-time shot into the roof of the net. The forward then finished from point-blank seven minutes from time.
Inter’s ability to score despite difficult circumstances was decisive in securing the victory.
Additional European Action
Across in Spain, the Basque side staged a thrilling comeback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a late strike five minutes into stoppage 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 pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea equalised three minutes from time. However, Moleiro had the final say deep into added time.
Later on La Liga match, Real Madrid travel to Girona requiring a victory to return to the top ahead of Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on Saturday.
- The Nerazzurri stay in tight contention for the Italian crown.
- Martínez demonstrated his worth with a match-winning display.
- The battle for first continues with several teams in the mix.
