Lautaro Martínez Brace Keeps Inter Milan in Pursuit of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez scored a second-half brace to earn his team a 2-0 win at Pisa, keeping the away side very much engaged in the Italian league championship battle despite a somewhat shaky performance.
Standings Overview
Led by Cristian Chivu, Inter now sit third in the table with 27 points total, level with second-placed Roma and only one point behind leaders Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa occupy the third bottom position with 10 points.
Game Summary
Inter traveled in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after suffering a loss to rivals by Milan last weekend, which was followed by a European defeat at Atlético Madrid. However, they were made to battle all the way by promoted Pisa. The home team created numerous chances, but a efficient Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute when Argentine Martínez smacked a one-time shot into the roof of the net. The attacker then finished from close range seven minutes from time.
Inter’s ability to score even with pressure was crucial in securing the victory.
Additional 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 late strike five minutes into stoppage time. The visitors’ scoring 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 final say deep into added time.
In the late La Liga fixture, Real Madrid journey to Girona requiring a win to return to the summit above Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on the previous day.
- Inter stay in tight contention for the Italian crown.
- Martínez demonstrated his value with a decisive display.
- The battle for first goes on with several teams in the mix.
