Lautaro Martínez Double Ensures Inter on Tail of Frontrunners
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez scored a late double to secure his team a 2-0 win at Pisa, keeping the away side firmly involved in the Italian league championship battle in spite of a less than convincing performance.
League Table Overview
Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter currently sit third in the table with 27 points, tied with runner-up 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 return to winning ways after enduring a loss to rivals by Milan recently, which was followed by a Champions League loss at Atlético Madrid. However, they were made to battle throughout by promoted Pisa. The hosts created plenty of opportunities, but a efficient Inter scored the opener 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 with seven minutes remaining.
Inter’s ability to convert despite pressure was decisive in securing three points.
Additional European Matches
In Spain, the Basque side mounted a dramatic comeback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a late strike five minutes into added time. The visitors’ goals came from Ayoze Pérez shortly 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. Yet, Moleiro delivered the final say deep into stoppage time.
Later on La Liga fixture, Real Madrid travel to Girona requiring a win to go back to the top ahead of Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on Saturday.
- The Nerazzurri remain in tight contention for the Italian crown.
- Martínez demonstrated his worth with a match-winning display.
- The battle for first goes on with several clubs in the mix.
