Lautaro Martínez Brace Keeps Inter Milan on Tail of Leaders
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez scored a late brace to earn his team a 2-0 win at Pisa, keeping the visitors very much involved in the Serie A championship battle in spite of a somewhat shaky performance.
Standings Update
Under manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed in third position in the table with 27 points total, level with runner-up Roma and only one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa occupy the third bottom position with 10 points.
Match Summary
Inter traveled in Tuscany aiming to get back on track after suffering a loss to rivals by Milan recently, followed by a European defeat at Atlético Madrid. However, they were made to battle all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts created plenty of opportunities, but a efficient Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute when Argentinian Martínez drilled a first-time shot into the roof of the net. The attacker then tapped in from close range seven minutes from time.
The team’s capacity to score even with difficult circumstances proved decisive in earning three points.
Additional Continental Action
In Spain, the Basque side staged a thrilling comeback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a goal five minutes into added time. The visitors’ scoring came from Ayoze Pérez shortly after the half-hour mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler quickly pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea leveled the score three minutes from time. However, Moleiro had the last word late in stoppage time.
Later on La Liga match, Real Madrid travel to Girona needing a victory to go back to the summit above Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.
- Inter remain in tight pursuit for the Italian crown.
- Martínez demonstrated his worth with a match-winning display.
- The battle for first goes on with several teams in the mix.
