Lautaro Martínez Brace Keeps Inter Milan in Pursuit of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez scored a second-half brace to earn his side a 2-0 victory at Pisa, ensuring the away side firmly engaged in the Serie A title race in spite of a less than convincing display.
League Table Update
Under Cristian Chivu, Inter now sit in third position in the table with 27 points, level with second-placed Roma and just one point behind leaders Milan. In contrast, Pisa hold the third bottom position with 10 points.
Match Summary
Inter traveled in Tuscany aiming to get back on track after suffering a derby defeat by Milan recently, followed by a Champions League loss at Atlético Madrid. However, they were forced to fight throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team generated numerous chances, but a clinical Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute when Argentinian Martínez drilled a first-time shot into the top of the net. The attacker then finished from close range with seven minutes remaining.
The team’s ability to score despite difficult circumstances proved crucial in securing three points.
Additional European Action
Across in Spain, the Basque side mounted a thrilling fightback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a late strike five minutes into stoppage time. The visitors’ goals came from Ayoze Pérez just after the 30-minute mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler quickly pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea equalised three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro delivered the final say late in added time.
In the late Spanish match, Real Madrid journey to Girona requiring a win to return to the top ahead of Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on the previous day.
- Inter remain in close contention for the Italian crown.
- Martínez proved his worth with a match-winning performance.
- The title race continues with multiple clubs competing.