Lautaro Martínez Double Ensures Inter Milan on Tail of Leaders
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half double to earn his team a 2-0 win at Pisa, ensuring the away side firmly engaged in the Serie A championship battle despite a less than convincing display.
League Table Update
Under Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed third in the standings with 27 points, tied with runner-up Roma and just one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa hold the third bottom spot with 10 points.
Game Recap
Inter arrived in Tuscany aiming to return to winning ways after enduring a derby defeat by Milan recently, followed by a European loss at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were made to battle all the way by promoted Pisa. The home team generated plenty of opportunities, but a clinical Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute mark when Argentine Martínez smacked a one-time shot into the top of the net. The forward then tapped in from close range with seven minutes remaining.
Inter’s capacity to score even with difficult circumstances proved decisive in securing the victory.
Additional European Matches
Across in Spain, the Basque side mounted a dramatic comeback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a late strike five minutes into stoppage time. The visitors’ scoring came from Ayoze Pérez just after the half-hour mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler soon reduced the deficit and Ander Barrenetxea leveled the score three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro had the final say late in stoppage time.
Later on Spanish match, Real Madrid journey to Girona needing a win to go back to the top ahead of Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.
- Inter stay in close contention for the Serie A title.
- Martínez demonstrated his value with a match-winning display.
- The title race continues with several clubs in the mix.