Lautaro Martínez Brace Keeps Inter in Pursuit of Frontrunners
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez scored a second-half brace to secure his side a 2-0 win at Pisa, ensuring the away side firmly involved in the Serie A title race in spite of a less than convincing display.
Standings Update
Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed third in the table with 27 points total, level with runner-up Roma and just one point adrift of leaders Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa hold the 18th spot with 10 points.
Match Summary
Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after suffering a derby defeat by Milan last weekend, followed by a Champions League loss at Atlético Madrid. However, they were made to battle throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts created plenty of chances, but a efficient Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute mark when Argentinian Martínez smacked a one-time shot into the top of the net. The forward then finished from close range seven minutes from time.
The team’s capacity to score despite pressure proved crucial in earning the victory.
Other Continental Matches
In Spain, the Basque side mounted a dramatic comeback from 2-0 down to level 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 soon reduced the deficit and Ander Barrenetxea leveled the score three minutes from time. However, Moleiro had the last word deep into stoppage time.
In the late La Liga fixture, Real Madrid journey to Girona requiring a win to return to the top ahead of Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on the previous day.
- Inter stay in tight pursuit for the Italian crown.
- Martínez proved his value with a match-winning performance.
- The title race continues with several clubs in the mix.
