Lautaro Martínez Double Keeps Inter on Tail of Leaders
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half brace to earn his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the away side very much engaged in the Serie A championship battle despite a somewhat shaky display.
Standings Overview
Under Cristian Chivu, Inter now sit 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 occupy the 18th position with 10 points.
Match Summary
Inter arrived in Tuscany aiming to get back on track after suffering a loss to rivals by Milan recently, followed by a Champions League loss at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were forced to fight all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts generated plenty of chances, but a clinical Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when Argentine Martínez smacked a one-time shot into the roof of the net. The forward then tapped in from point-blank seven minutes from time.
The team’s ability to convert even with pressure was crucial in earning the victory.
Other European Action
In Spain, the Basque side staged a dramatic fightback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a goal five minutes into stoppage time. Villarreal’s scoring 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 equalised three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro delivered the last word deep into stoppage time.
Later on La Liga fixture, Real Madrid travel to Girona requiring a win to go back to the top ahead of Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 win over Alavés on Saturday.
- The Nerazzurri remain in tight pursuit for the Serie A crown.
- Martínez demonstrated his value with a decisive performance.
- The battle for first goes on with multiple teams in the mix.
