Lautaro Martínez Brace Keeps Inter Milan in Pursuit of Frontrunners
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez scored a second-half double to secure his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, ensuring the visitors very much engaged in the Serie A championship battle in spite of a less than convincing performance.
League Table Overview
Led by Cristian Chivu, Inter now sit in third position in the table with 27 points total, tied with second-placed Roma and only one point behind table-toppers Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa hold the third bottom position with 10 points.
Game Summary
Inter traveled in Tuscany aiming to get back on track after enduring a derby defeat by Milan last weekend, which was followed by a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were made to battle all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team generated numerous chances, but a efficient Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute mark when Argentinian 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 ability to score despite difficult circumstances was decisive in earning three points.
Other Continental Matches
Across in Spain, the Basque side mounted a dramatic comeback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a late strike five minutes into stoppage time. Villarreal’s scoring 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 leveled the score three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro had the last word deep into added time.
In the late La Liga match, Real Madrid journey to Girona needing a win to go back to the top above Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on Saturday.
- Inter remain in tight pursuit for the Italian title.
- Martínez proved his worth with a match-winning performance.
- The battle for first continues with multiple teams competing.
