Lautaro Martínez Brace Ensures Inter Milan in Pursuit of Leaders
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez netted a late double to earn his side a 2-0 victory at Pisa, ensuring the visitors very much engaged in the Italian league championship battle in spite of a somewhat shaky display.
League Table Update
Under Cristian Chivu, Inter currently are placed in third position in the standings with 27 points total, tied with runner-up Roma and only one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa hold the third bottom spot with 10 points.
Match Summary
Inter traveled in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after enduring a derby defeat by Milan last weekend, followed by a Champions League loss at Atlético Madrid. However, they were forced to fight throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team created numerous chances, but a clinical Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute mark when Argentinian Martínez smacked a one-time shot into the roof of the net. The attacker then tapped in from point-blank seven minutes from time.
Inter’s capacity to score despite pressure was decisive in earning the victory.
Other Continental Action
In Spain, the Basque side staged a thrilling comeback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to lose 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. Yet, Moleiro delivered the last word late in stoppage time.
In the late Spanish fixture, Real Madrid travel to Girona needing a victory to go back to the top above Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on the previous day.
- Inter remain in close pursuit for the Italian title.
- Martínez demonstrated his worth with a decisive display.
- The title race goes on with multiple teams competing.
