Lautaro Martínez Brace Ensures Inter Milan in Pursuit of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez scored a second-half brace to secure his side a 2-0 win at Pisa, ensuring the away side very much involved in the Serie A championship battle despite a somewhat shaky performance.
Standings Update
Led by Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed in third position in the standings with 27 points total, level with second-placed Roma and only one point adrift of leaders Milan. In contrast, Pisa occupy the third bottom spot with 10 points.
Match Summary
Inter traveled in Tuscany aiming to get back on track after suffering a loss to rivals by Milan last weekend, which was followed by a European loss at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were made to battle throughout by promoted Pisa. The home team generated plenty of opportunities, but a efficient Inter scored the opener 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 ability to score despite pressure was crucial in earning three points.
Other European Action
Across in Spain, the Basque side staged a dramatic fightback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a late strike five minutes into stoppage time. The visitors’ goals came from Ayoze Pérez shortly after the half-hour mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler soon pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea leveled the score three minutes from time. However, Moleiro delivered the last word deep into stoppage time.
In the late La Liga match, Real Madrid journey to Girona requiring a win to go back to the summit above Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 win over Alavés on Saturday.
- The Nerazzurri stay in close pursuit for the Italian title.
- Martínez demonstrated his value with a decisive performance.
- The title race goes on with several clubs competing.
