Lautaro Martínez Brace Keeps Inter in Pursuit of Frontrunners
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez scored a second-half double to earn his side a 2-0 win at Pisa, ensuring the visitors very much engaged in the Serie A championship battle in spite of a less than convincing display.
League Table Overview
Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter currently are placed in third position in the table with 27 points total, tied with runner-up Roma and only one point behind leaders Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa hold the third bottom position with 10 points.
Match Recap
Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after enduring a loss to rivals by Milan recently, followed by a European loss at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were forced to fight throughout by promoted Pisa. The hosts generated numerous opportunities, but a clinical Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute mark when Argentinian Martínez drilled a one-time shot into the top of the net. The attacker then finished from close range with seven minutes remaining.
The team’s ability to convert even with pressure was crucial in earning the victory.
Other European Matches
In Spain, the Basque side staged a dramatic comeback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a late strike five minutes into added time. Villarreal’s goals came from Ayoze Pérez shortly after the 30-minute mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler quickly reduced the deficit and Ander Barrenetxea leveled the score three minutes from time. However, Moleiro had the final say late in stoppage time.
In the late Spanish match, Real Madrid travel to Girona needing a win to return to the top above Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on the previous day.
- The Nerazzurri stay in tight contention for the Serie A title.
- Martínez demonstrated his worth with a decisive performance.
- The battle for first continues with several teams in the mix.
