Lautaro Martínez Double Ensures Inter Milan on Tail of Frontrunners
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a late brace to secure his side a 2-0 victory at Pisa, ensuring the away side very much engaged in the Italian league title race in spite of a less than convincing performance.
League Table Update
Led by Cristian Chivu, Inter currently are placed in third position in the table with 27 points total, tied with runner-up Roma and only one point adrift of leaders Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa hold the third bottom spot with 10 points.
Match Summary
Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to get back on track after suffering a loss to rivals by Milan last weekend, followed by a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. However, they were forced to fight all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts created numerous opportunities, but a clinical Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute mark 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 ability to convert despite difficult circumstances proved decisive in securing the victory.
Additional Continental Action
Across in Spain, the Basque side mounted a dramatic fightback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a goal five minutes into stoppage 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 had the last word deep into stoppage time.
Later on Spanish match, Real Madrid journey to Girona requiring a win to go back to the summit above Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on the previous day.
- Inter stay in tight pursuit for the Italian crown.
- Martínez demonstrated his value with a match-winning performance.
- The battle for first continues with multiple clubs competing.
