Lautaro Martínez Brace Keeps Inter Milan in Pursuit of Frontrunners
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez scored a late brace to secure his side a 2-0 victory at Pisa, ensuring the away side very much engaged in the Serie A championship battle in spite of a less than convincing performance.
Standings Overview
Led by Cristian Chivu, Inter currently are placed in third position in the standings with 27 points, level with second-placed Roma and only one point adrift of leaders Milan. In contrast, Pisa hold the third bottom spot with 10 points.
Game Recap
Inter arrived in Tuscany aiming to return to winning ways after enduring a derby defeat by Milan last weekend, followed by a European loss at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were forced to fight all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team generated numerous 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 attacker then finished from close range seven minutes from time.
The team’s capacity to score even with pressure proved decisive in securing the victory.
Additional European Matches
Across in Spain, the Basque side mounted a dramatic fightback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a late strike five minutes into added 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 pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea equalised three minutes from time. However, Moleiro had the final say deep into added time.
In the late La Liga match, Real Madrid travel to Girona needing a victory to return to the top ahead of Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on the previous day.
- The Nerazzurri stay in close contention for the Serie A crown.
- Martínez demonstrated his value with a decisive performance.
- The title race continues with several clubs competing.
