Lautaro Martínez Brace Ensures Inter on Tail of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a late double to earn his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the visitors very much involved in the Italian league championship battle despite a less than convincing performance.
League Table Overview
Led by Cristian Chivu, Inter now sit in third position in the table with 27 points total, level with runner-up Roma and only one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa occupy the third bottom position with 10 points.
Match Summary
Inter arrived in Tuscany aiming to return to winning ways after enduring a derby defeat by Milan last weekend, followed by a Champions League loss at Atlético Madrid. However, they were made to battle all the way by promoted Pisa. The hosts created plenty of opportunities, but a clinical Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute when Argentine Martínez drilled a one-time shot into the top of the net. The forward then tapped in from point-blank seven minutes from time.
Inter’s ability to score despite difficult circumstances was decisive in securing three points.
Additional Continental Action
Across in Spain, the Basque side staged a thrilling fightback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a goal five minutes into added time. The visitors’ goals came from Ayoze Pérez just after the 30-minute mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler soon reduced the deficit and Ander Barrenetxea equalised three minutes from time. However, Moleiro had the last word late in added time.
Later on Spanish match, Real Madrid travel to Girona requiring a win to go back to the summit above Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on Saturday.
- Inter stay in close pursuit for the Italian title.
- Martínez demonstrated his value with a match-winning performance.
- The title race goes on with several clubs competing.
