Lautaro Martínez Double Keeps Inter Milan on Tail of Frontrunners
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez scored a second-half brace to secure his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, ensuring the visitors firmly engaged in the Serie A title race in spite of a less than convincing performance.
Standings Overview
Led by Cristian Chivu, Inter currently are placed in third position in the table with 27 points total, level with runner-up Roma and only one point behind table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa occupy the third bottom spot with 10 points.
Game Recap
Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after suffering a loss to rivals by Milan recently, followed by a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were forced to fight all the way by promoted Pisa. The home team created plenty of opportunities, but a efficient Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute mark when Argentine Martínez smacked a one-time shot into the top of the net. The forward then tapped in from point-blank with seven minutes remaining.
The team’s ability to score even with pressure was decisive in securing three points.
Other Continental Action
In Spain, the Basque side staged a thrilling comeback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a goal five minutes into stoppage time. The visitors’ goals came from Ayoze Pérez shortly 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 had the last word late in added time.
In the late La Liga fixture, Real Madrid travel to Girona requiring a victory to return to the summit ahead of Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on the previous day.
- Inter remain in close pursuit for the Italian crown.
- Martínez demonstrated his worth with a decisive display.
- The battle for first goes on with several clubs competing.
