Lautaro Martínez Brace Ensures Inter in Pursuit of Frontrunners
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez scored a late double to earn his team a 2-0 win at Pisa, keeping the visitors firmly involved in the Italian league title race despite a less than convincing performance.
League Table Overview
Under Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed in third position in the table with 27 points, tied with second-placed Roma and only one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa hold the 18th spot with 10 points.
Match Recap
Inter arrived in Tuscany aiming to get back on track after enduring a loss to rivals by Milan last weekend, followed by a Champions League loss at Atlético Madrid. However, they were made to battle all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts generated numerous chances, but a efficient Inter scored the opener 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.
Inter’s ability to convert despite difficult circumstances proved decisive in securing the victory.
Other European Action
Across in Spain, the Basque side mounted a thrilling comeback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a late strike five minutes into stoppage time. The visitors’ 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 had the final say deep into added time.
Later on La Liga match, Real Madrid travel to Girona requiring a win to return to the top above Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on Saturday.
- The Nerazzurri remain in close pursuit for the Italian crown.
- Martínez demonstrated his value with a decisive performance.
- The battle for first goes on with several teams in the mix.
