Lautaro Martínez Brace Keeps Inter on Tail of Frontrunners
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez scored a second-half double to earn his team a 2-0 win at Pisa, keeping the away side very much involved in the Italian league title race in spite of a less than convincing performance.
League Table Update
Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now sit third in the standings with 27 points, tied with second-placed Roma and just one point behind leaders Milan. In contrast, Pisa occupy the 18th spot with 10 points.
Game Summary
Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after suffering a loss to rivals by Milan last weekend, 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 plenty of chances, but a efficient Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute mark when Argentine Martínez drilled a one-time shot into the top 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 the victory.
Other European Matches
Across in Spain, the Basque side mounted a thrilling fightback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a late strike five minutes into added time. The visitors’ goals 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. However, Moleiro delivered the final say late in added time.
Later on La Liga fixture, Real Madrid journey to Girona requiring a win to return to the summit above Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on Saturday.
- Inter stay in close pursuit for the Italian title.
- Martínez proved his worth with a match-winning display.
- The title race goes on with several teams in the mix.
