Lautaro Martínez Double Ensures Inter Milan in Pursuit of Leaders
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez netted a late brace to secure his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the away side very much involved in the Italian league title race despite a less than convincing performance.
Standings Update
Under Cristian Chivu, Inter now sit third in the table with 27 points total, tied with runner-up Roma and just one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa hold the 18th spot with 10 points.
Match Summary
Inter traveled in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after suffering a loss to rivals by Milan recently, followed by a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were made to battle throughout by promoted Pisa. The hosts created numerous opportunities, but a efficient Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when Argentine Martínez drilled a first-time shot into the top of the net. The attacker then tapped in from close range with seven minutes remaining.
Inter’s capacity to score even with pressure proved crucial in earning three points.
Other Continental Matches
In Spain, the Basque side mounted a dramatic fightback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a late strike five minutes into stoppage time. Villarreal’s scoring came from Ayoze Pérez shortly after the half-hour mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler soon reduced the deficit and Ander Barrenetxea leveled the score three minutes from time. However, Moleiro had the final say deep into stoppage time.
In the late Spanish fixture, Real Madrid journey to Girona requiring a victory to return to the summit above Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 win over Alavés on Saturday.
- The Nerazzurri remain in close contention for the Serie A title.
- Martínez proved his value with a decisive display.
- The battle for first continues with multiple teams in the mix.