Lautaro Martínez Brace Keeps Inter Milan on Tail of Frontrunners
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half brace to secure his side a 2-0 win at Pisa, keeping the visitors very much engaged in the Serie A championship battle despite a less than convincing performance.
League Table Overview
Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed third in the standings with 27 points total, tied with second-placed Roma and only one point behind leaders Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa hold the 18th position with 10 points.
Game Recap
Inter traveled in Tuscany looking to get back on track after suffering a loss to rivals by Milan recently, followed by a European loss at Atlético Madrid. However, they were forced to fight all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team created plenty of opportunities, but a clinical Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when Argentinian Martínez drilled a first-time shot into the top of the net. The attacker then finished from close range with seven minutes remaining.
The team’s ability to score despite difficult circumstances was decisive in securing the victory.
Additional Continental Matches
Across in Spain, the Basque side mounted a dramatic fightback from 2-0 down to equalize 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 equalised three minutes from time. However, Moleiro had the final say deep into stoppage time.
In the late La Liga fixture, Real Madrid journey to Girona requiring a victory to return to the summit above Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on the previous day.
- Inter stay in tight contention for the Italian crown.
- Martínez demonstrated his worth with a match-winning display.
- The battle for first continues with several clubs competing.
