Lautaro Martínez Double Keeps Inter on Tail of Leaders
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez netted a late brace to earn his side a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the visitors firmly engaged in the Italian league championship battle in spite of a somewhat shaky performance.
League Table Update
Under Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed in third position in the table with 27 points total, level with runner-up Roma and just one point adrift of leaders Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa occupy the third bottom spot with 10 points.
Match Summary
Inter traveled in Tuscany aiming to return to winning ways after enduring a derby defeat by Milan recently, followed by a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. However, they were forced to fight throughout by promoted Pisa. The hosts created numerous opportunities, but a efficient Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute mark when Argentine Martínez smacked a first-time shot into the roof of the net. The attacker then finished from point-blank seven minutes from time.
Inter’s ability to convert despite difficult circumstances was crucial in earning the victory.
Other European Matches
In Spain, the Basque side staged a dramatic fightback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a late strike five minutes into stoppage time. The visitors’ goals came from Ayoze Pérez just 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 delivered the final say late in added time.
Later on La Liga fixture, Real Madrid travel to Girona needing a win to return to the summit ahead of Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.
- The Nerazzurri remain in tight contention for the Italian title.
- Martínez proved his worth with a match-winning display.
- The battle for first continues with several teams in the mix.
