Lautaro Martínez Double Ensures Inter Milan in Pursuit of Frontrunners
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez scored a late double to secure his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the away side very much engaged in the Serie A championship battle despite a less than convincing performance.
Standings Update
Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter currently sit third in the standings with 27 points total, tied with second-placed Roma and only one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa occupy the 18th spot with 10 points.
Match Recap
Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after enduring a derby defeat by Milan recently, which was followed by a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were made to battle throughout by promoted Pisa. The home team generated plenty of chances, but a clinical Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when Argentine Martínez drilled a one-time shot into the roof of the net. The forward then finished from point-blank with seven minutes remaining.
Inter’s capacity to score even with difficult circumstances was crucial in earning three points.
Additional Continental Action
Across in Spain, the Basque side staged a thrilling fightback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a goal five minutes into added time. The visitors’ goals came from Ayoze Pérez just after the half-hour mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler quickly reduced the deficit and Ander Barrenetxea equalised three minutes from time. However, Moleiro delivered the final say late in added time.
Later on Spanish match, Real Madrid journey to Girona needing a victory to go back to the summit above Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on Saturday.
- The Nerazzurri stay in close pursuit for the Serie A title.
- Martínez proved his value with a match-winning display.
- The battle for first goes on with several teams in the mix.
