Lautaro Martínez Double Keeps Inter Milan on Tail of Frontrunners
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez scored a late brace to secure his side a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the visitors firmly involved in the Italian league championship battle in spite of a less than convincing performance.
Standings Overview
Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed third in the table with 27 points total, level with second-placed Roma and just one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa hold the 18th position with 10 points.
Game Recap
Inter traveled in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after enduring 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 created numerous opportunities, but a efficient Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when Argentinian Martínez drilled a first-time shot into the roof of the net. The attacker then finished from close range with seven minutes remaining.
The team’s ability to convert even with pressure proved crucial in earning three points.
Additional Continental Action
In Spain, the Basque side staged a thrilling fightback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a late strike five minutes into added time. Villarreal’s goals came from Ayoze Pérez just after the 30-minute mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler quickly reduced the deficit and Ander Barrenetxea equalised three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro delivered the last word late in added time.
In the late La Liga match, Real Madrid travel to Girona needing a win to go back to the summit ahead of Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on Saturday.
- Inter stay in close contention for the Italian title.
- Martínez proved his worth with a match-winning display.
- The battle for first goes on with multiple clubs in the mix.
