Lautaro Martínez Brace Keeps Inter on Tail of Frontrunners
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez netted a late brace to earn his side a 2-0 win at Pisa, keeping the visitors very much involved in the Serie A title race in spite of a somewhat shaky performance.
League Table Update
Under manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed in third position in the standings with 27 points, level with second-placed Roma and only one point behind table-toppers Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa occupy the 18th spot with 10 points.
Match Recap
Inter traveled in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after enduring a derby defeat by Milan recently, which was followed by a Champions League loss at Atlético Madrid. However, they were forced to fight all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team created numerous opportunities, but a efficient Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute mark when Argentine Martínez drilled a one-time shot into the roof of the net. The attacker then tapped in from point-blank seven minutes from time.
Inter’s ability to score even with pressure was crucial in earning three points.
Other European Matches
In Spain, the Basque side staged a dramatic fightback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a goal five minutes into added time. Villarreal’s goals came from Ayoze Pérez shortly 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 final say late in added time.
In the late Spanish fixture, Real Madrid journey to Girona needing a victory to return to the top above Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 win over Alavés on Saturday.
- Inter stay in close pursuit for the Italian crown.
- Martínez proved his value with a decisive performance.
- The battle for first continues with several teams in the mix.
