Lautaro Martínez Brace Keeps Inter Milan on Tail of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a late brace to secure his team a 2-0 win at Pisa, ensuring the visitors very much involved in the Italian league title race in spite of a less than convincing performance.
Standings Update
Led by Cristian Chivu, Inter currently sit third in the table with 27 points total, level with second-placed Roma and just one point adrift of leaders Milan. In contrast, Pisa hold the 18th spot with 10 points.
Game Recap
Inter traveled in Tuscany aiming to return to winning ways after suffering a loss to rivals by Milan recently, which was followed by a European defeat at Atlético Madrid. However, they were made to battle throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team created numerous opportunities, but a efficient Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute mark when Argentine Martínez smacked a one-time shot into the top of the net. The forward then finished from point-blank seven minutes from time.
Inter’s capacity to score even with difficult circumstances was decisive in earning three points.
Additional European Action
Across in Spain, the Basque side staged a dramatic comeback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a late strike 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 final say deep into added time.
In the late Spanish fixture, Real Madrid travel to Girona requiring a victory to return to the summit above Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on Saturday.
- The Nerazzurri stay in tight contention for the Italian title.
- Martínez proved his value with a decisive display.
- The battle for first continues with multiple teams in the mix.