Lautaro Martínez Double Ensures Inter on Tail of Frontrunners
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez scored a second-half double to secure his team a 2-0 win at Pisa, keeping the away side firmly engaged in the Serie A title race despite a less than convincing display.
Standings Overview
Under manager Cristian Chivu, Inter currently are placed in third position in the standings with 27 points, tied with runner-up Roma and just one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa occupy the 18th position with 10 points.
Match Summary
Inter traveled in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after suffering a derby defeat by Milan last weekend, which was followed by a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. However, they were forced to fight all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts generated numerous chances, but a clinical Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when Argentine Martínez drilled a first-time shot into the top of the net. The forward then finished from close range seven minutes from time.
Inter’s capacity to convert even with difficult circumstances was decisive in securing three points.
Additional Continental Action
Across in Spain, the Basque side mounted a dramatic fightback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a goal five minutes into stoppage time. Villarreal’s scoring came from Ayoze Pérez just after the 30-minute mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler quickly pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea equalised three minutes from time. However, Moleiro delivered the final say late in stoppage time.
In the late La Liga match, Real Madrid journey to Girona requiring a victory to go back to the top above Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on the previous day.
- Inter stay in close contention for the Italian title.
- Martínez proved his worth with a decisive display.
- The title race goes on with multiple clubs competing.
