Lautaro Martínez Brace Ensures Inter Milan in Pursuit of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez scored a second-half double to secure his team a 2-0 win at Pisa, ensuring the away side very much involved in the Serie A title race despite a less than convincing performance.
League Table Overview
Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now sit third in the standings with 27 points, level with runner-up Roma and just one point adrift of leaders Milan. In contrast, Pisa hold the 18th spot with 10 points.
Match Summary
Inter arrived in Tuscany aiming to get back on track after suffering a derby defeat by Milan last weekend, which was followed by a Champions League loss at Atlético Madrid. However, they were made to battle throughout by promoted Pisa. The hosts created numerous opportunities, but a clinical Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute mark when Argentinian Martínez smacked a first-time shot into the top of the net. The forward then finished from close range with seven minutes remaining.
Inter’s capacity to convert despite pressure proved crucial in earning three points.
Other European Matches
In Spain, the Basque side mounted a thrilling fightback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a late strike five minutes into added time. Villarreal’s scoring came from Ayoze Pérez shortly after the 30-minute 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 delivered the last word late in stoppage time.
In the late La Liga match, Real Madrid journey to Girona requiring a victory to go back to the top above Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on Saturday.
- Inter remain in close pursuit for the Serie A title.
- Martínez demonstrated his value with a match-winning performance.
- The battle for first goes on with several clubs competing.
