Lautaro Martínez Brace Keeps Inter Milan on Tail of Frontrunners
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half brace to secure his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, ensuring the visitors very much engaged in the Italian league title race despite a less than convincing performance.
Standings Update
Led by Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed in third position in the standings with 27 points, level with second-placed Roma and only one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa hold the third bottom spot with 10 points.
Game Recap
Inter traveled in Tuscany aiming to get back on track after suffering a loss to rivals by Milan last weekend, followed by a European loss at Atlético Madrid. However, they were made to battle all the way by promoted Pisa. The home team generated numerous chances, but a clinical 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 tapped in from close range seven minutes from time.
Inter’s capacity to score even with difficult circumstances proved decisive in earning the victory.
Other European Matches
Across in Spain, the Basque side staged a thrilling fightback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a goal five minutes into added time. The visitors’ scoring came from Ayoze Pérez just 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. Yet, Moleiro had the last word late in stoppage time.
In the late Spanish fixture, Real Madrid journey to Girona needing a victory to return to the top ahead of Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 win over Alavés on Saturday.
- The Nerazzurri remain in close pursuit for the Serie A title.
- Martínez demonstrated his value with a match-winning performance.
- The title race continues with several teams in the mix.
