Lautaro Martínez Brace Keeps Inter Milan on Tail of Leaders
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half double to earn his team a 2-0 win at Pisa, keeping the visitors firmly involved in the Serie A championship battle in spite of a less than convincing display.
League Table Update
Under Cristian Chivu, Inter currently are placed in third position in the standings with 27 points, tied with second-placed Roma and just one point adrift of leaders Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa hold the third bottom position with 10 points.
Match Summary
Inter arrived in Tuscany aiming to return to winning ways after suffering a derby defeat by Milan last weekend, which was followed by a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. However, they were forced to fight throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts generated plenty of chances, but a efficient Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute mark when Argentine Martínez smacked a first-time shot into the roof of the net. The attacker then tapped in from close range with seven minutes remaining.
Inter’s capacity to score despite pressure was decisive in earning the victory.
Other Continental Matches
In Spain, the Basque side mounted a dramatic comeback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a late strike five minutes into added time. The visitors’ scoring came from Ayoze Pérez shortly after the half-hour mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler quickly pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea leveled the score three minutes from time. However, Moleiro had the final say deep into stoppage time.
Later on Spanish fixture, Real Madrid journey to Girona needing a win to return to the top ahead of Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on the previous day.
- The Nerazzurri stay in close contention for the Italian title.
- Martínez demonstrated his value with a match-winning display.
- The battle for first goes on with multiple teams in the mix.
