Lautaro Martínez Brace Keeps Inter on Tail of Leaders
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez scored a late brace to secure his side a 2-0 win at Pisa, ensuring the visitors very much involved in the Serie A title race despite a less than convincing display.
League Table Overview
Under Cristian Chivu, Inter now sit in third position in the standings with 27 points total, tied with second-placed Roma and just one point behind table-toppers Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa occupy the 18th spot with 10 points.
Match Summary
Inter traveled in Tuscany aiming to return to winning ways after enduring a derby defeat by Milan last weekend, which was followed by a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. However, they were made to battle throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts created numerous opportunities, but a efficient Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute mark when Argentinian Martínez smacked a one-time shot into the top of the net. The attacker then tapped in from point-blank with seven minutes remaining.
Inter’s ability to score even with difficult circumstances proved crucial in earning three points.
Additional Continental Matches
Across in Spain, the Basque side mounted a dramatic comeback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a goal five minutes into added time. Villarreal’s goals came from Ayoze Pérez shortly after the half-hour mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler soon pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea leveled the score three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro had the last word late in added time.
Later on Spanish fixture, Real Madrid journey to Girona requiring a win to return to the summit ahead of Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.
- Inter remain in tight contention for the Italian crown.
- Martínez proved his value with a match-winning performance.
- The title race goes on with several clubs in the mix.
