Lautaro Martínez Brace Ensures Inter in Pursuit of Leaders
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez scored a second-half double to secure his team a 2-0 win at Pisa, keeping the visitors very much engaged in the Serie A championship battle despite a less than convincing performance.
League Table Update
Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter currently are placed third in the standings with 27 points total, level with second-placed Roma and only one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa hold the third bottom position with 10 points.
Game Recap
Inter traveled in Tuscany aiming to get back on track after suffering a derby defeat by Milan last weekend, which was followed by a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were made to battle throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team generated numerous chances, but a clinical Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when Argentinian Martínez drilled a first-time shot into the top of the net. The attacker then tapped in from close range with seven minutes remaining.
The team’s capacity to score despite difficult circumstances was decisive in earning the victory.
Other European Action
Across in Spain, the Basque side mounted a thrilling comeback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a late strike five minutes into added time. Villarreal’s scoring came from Ayoze Pérez shortly 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. Yet, Moleiro had the last word deep into added time.
Later on La Liga match, Real Madrid journey to Girona requiring a win to return to the summit ahead of Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on Saturday.
- Inter 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 clubs competing.
