Lautaro Martínez Double Ensures Inter on Tail of Leaders
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez scored a late double to secure his team a 2-0 win at Pisa, keeping the visitors very much involved in the Serie A championship battle in spite of a somewhat shaky display.
Standings Update
Under Cristian Chivu, Inter currently sit third in the standings with 27 points, tied with runner-up Roma and just one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa occupy the 18th spot with 10 points.
Game Summary
Inter arrived 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 made to battle all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team generated numerous chances, but a efficient Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when Argentinian Martínez smacked a one-time shot into the top of the net. The forward then finished from point-blank seven minutes from time.
The team’s capacity to score even with difficult circumstances was crucial in earning the victory.
Additional Continental Action
In Spain, the Basque side mounted a thrilling comeback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a late strike five minutes into added time. The visitors’ goals came from Ayoze Pérez just after the half-hour mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler quickly reduced the deficit and Ander Barrenetxea leveled the score three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro delivered the last word late in stoppage time.
In the late Spanish fixture, Real Madrid journey to Girona requiring a win to return to the summit above Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 win over Alavés on Saturday.
- Inter remain in tight contention for the Italian crown.
- Martínez demonstrated his worth with a match-winning display.
- The battle for first continues with multiple teams in the mix.