Lautaro Martínez Brace Ensures Inter in Pursuit of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half brace to earn his side a 2-0 win at Pisa, ensuring the away side very much involved in the Serie A championship battle despite a somewhat shaky display.
Standings Overview
Led by Cristian Chivu, Inter currently sit third in the standings with 27 points total, tied with runner-up Roma and just one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa occupy the 18th spot with 10 points.
Game Recap
Inter traveled in Tuscany aiming to return to winning ways after enduring a loss to rivals by Milan recently, which was followed by a European defeat at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were made to battle throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team generated plenty of opportunities, but a clinical Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when Argentinian Martínez drilled a first-time shot into the roof of the net. The forward then finished from point-blank with seven minutes remaining.
Inter’s ability to score even with difficult circumstances was crucial in earning three points.
Other European Matches
Across 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 30-minute 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 delivered the last word late in added time.
Later on La Liga fixture, Real Madrid journey to Girona needing a win to go back to the summit ahead of Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on the previous day.
- The Nerazzurri stay in close pursuit for the Serie A title.
- Martínez demonstrated his value with a decisive performance.
- The battle for first continues with several clubs in the mix.
