Lautaro Martínez Double Ensures Inter Milan in Pursuit of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez scored a late brace to secure his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the away side firmly engaged in the Italian league championship battle in spite of a somewhat shaky display.
League Table Overview
Under manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed in third position in the table with 27 points, level with second-placed Roma and only one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa occupy the third bottom spot with 10 points.
Match Summary
Inter arrived in Tuscany aiming to return to winning ways after enduring a loss to rivals by Milan last weekend, which was followed by a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were made to battle throughout by promoted Pisa. The home team generated numerous chances, but a efficient Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute mark when Argentinian Martínez drilled a one-time shot into the top of the net. The forward then finished from point-blank with seven minutes remaining.
Inter’s ability to score even with pressure proved decisive in securing the victory.
Other European Action
In Spain, the Basque side mounted a dramatic comeback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a late strike five minutes into stoppage time. Villarreal’s goals came from Ayoze Pérez just after the half-hour mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler quickly pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea equalised three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro had the last word late in stoppage time.
In the late La Liga match, Real Madrid journey to Girona needing a win to return to the summit ahead of Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on the previous day.
- The Nerazzurri remain in close pursuit for the Italian crown.
- Martínez demonstrated his value with a match-winning display.
- The battle for first continues with several clubs in the mix.
