Lautaro Martínez Double Ensures Inter in Pursuit of Frontrunners
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half brace to earn his side a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the away side firmly involved in the Serie A championship battle despite a less than convincing performance.
Standings Update
Under Cristian Chivu, Inter currently sit in third position in the standings with 27 points total, tied with second-placed Roma and just 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 get back on track after enduring a loss to rivals by Milan recently, which was followed by a European loss at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were forced to fight all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team created plenty of opportunities, but a efficient Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute when Argentine Martínez smacked a first-time shot into the roof of the net. The forward then tapped in from close range seven minutes from time.
Inter’s capacity to score despite difficult circumstances was crucial in earning the victory.
Additional Continental Matches
Across in Spain, the Basque side mounted a thrilling comeback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a goal five minutes into added 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. Yet, Moleiro delivered 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 top ahead of Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on the previous day.
- Inter stay in close contention for the Serie A crown.
- Martínez proved his worth with a decisive display.
- The battle for first continues with multiple clubs competing.
