Lautaro Martínez Brace Keeps Inter Milan in Pursuit of Leaders
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez scored a second-half double to earn his team a 2-0 win at Pisa, keeping the visitors very much involved in the Italian league title race despite a less than convincing performance.
League Table Update
Led by Cristian Chivu, Inter now sit third in the standings with 27 points, level with second-placed Roma and only one point behind table-toppers Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa occupy the 18th position with 10 points.
Match Recap
Inter traveled in Tuscany aiming to return to winning ways after suffering a derby defeat by Milan last weekend, which was followed by a European loss at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were forced to fight all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team generated numerous opportunities, but a clinical Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when Argentine Martínez drilled a first-time shot into the roof of the net. The forward then finished from close range with seven minutes remaining.
The team’s capacity to score even with pressure was decisive in securing three points.
Additional European Matches
In Spain, the Basque side mounted a dramatic comeback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to lose 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 soon pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea leveled the score three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro delivered the last word deep into stoppage time.
In the late Spanish fixture, Real Madrid travel to Girona requiring a victory to return to the summit above Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on the previous day.
- The Nerazzurri remain in tight pursuit for the Serie A title.
- Martínez proved his worth with a match-winning performance.
- The title race continues with multiple teams competing.
