Lautaro Martínez Brace Ensures Inter on Tail of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a late double to secure his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the visitors very much engaged in the Italian league title race in spite of a somewhat shaky performance.
League Table Update
Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter currently sit third in the table with 27 points total, tied with second-placed Roma and only one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa occupy the third bottom spot with 10 points.
Game Recap
Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after enduring a derby defeat by Milan last weekend, followed by a Champions League loss at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were forced to fight throughout by promoted Pisa. The hosts generated numerous chances, but a clinical Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute mark when Argentinian Martínez drilled a first-time shot into the top of the net. The forward then finished from close range with seven minutes remaining.
The team’s ability to score even with pressure was decisive in earning three points.
Other Continental Action
Across in Spain, the Basque side mounted a thrilling comeback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a goal five minutes into stoppage time. Villarreal’s goals came from Ayoze Pérez just after the 30-minute mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler soon reduced the deficit and Ander Barrenetxea equalised three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro delivered the last word deep into added time.
Later on Spanish match, Real Madrid journey to Girona needing a win to go back to the top ahead of Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 win over Alavés on Saturday.
- The Nerazzurri stay in close contention for the Italian crown.
- Martínez proved his worth with a decisive performance.
- The battle for first goes on with multiple clubs competing.
