Lautaro Martínez Brace Keeps Inter in Pursuit of Frontrunners
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez scored a late brace to secure his team a 2-0 win at Pisa, keeping the away side firmly engaged in the Italian league championship battle in spite of a somewhat shaky display.
League Table Overview
Under manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed third in the table with 27 points total, level with runner-up Roma and just one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa hold the third bottom position with 10 points.
Match Summary
Inter traveled in Tuscany looking to get back on track after suffering a loss to rivals by Milan recently, followed by a Champions League loss at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were made to battle throughout 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 top of the net. The forward then tapped in from close range seven minutes from time.
Inter’s capacity to score despite pressure was decisive in securing three points.
Other Continental Action
Across in Spain, the Basque side mounted a thrilling 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 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 late in added time.
In the late La Liga fixture, Real Madrid travel to Girona requiring a victory to return to the top above Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 win over Alavés on Saturday.
- The Nerazzurri stay in tight pursuit for the Serie A crown.
- Martínez proved his value with a match-winning performance.
- The battle for first continues with several teams in the mix.
