Lautaro Martínez Double Ensures Inter Milan in Pursuit of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half brace to earn his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the visitors very much engaged in the Italian league title race in spite of a somewhat shaky display.
League Table Overview
Led by Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed in third position in the standings with 27 points total, tied with runner-up Roma and only one point behind leaders Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa hold the 18th spot with 10 points.
Game Recap
Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to get back on track after suffering a derby defeat by Milan last weekend, which was followed by a European defeat at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were forced to fight throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team created numerous opportunities, but a efficient Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute mark when Argentine Martínez drilled a one-time shot into the roof of the net. The forward then finished from point-blank with seven minutes remaining.
Inter’s capacity to convert despite pressure was decisive in earning the victory.
Additional European Matches
In Spain, the Basque side staged a thrilling comeback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a late strike five minutes into stoppage time. The visitors’ scoring came from Ayoze Pérez shortly 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 final say deep into stoppage time.
Later on Spanish match, Real Madrid travel to Girona requiring a win to return to the top above Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.
- The Nerazzurri remain in close pursuit for the Italian crown.
- Martínez demonstrated his worth with a match-winning performance.
- The title race goes on with several teams in the mix.
