Martínez Brace Keeps Inter Milan on Tail of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez scored a second-half double to earn his side a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the away side firmly involved in the Serie A championship battle despite a less than convincing display.
Standings Overview
Under manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed third in the table with 27 points total, level with second-placed Roma and only one point behind table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa occupy the third bottom spot with 10 points.
Game Recap
Inter traveled in Tuscany aiming to return to winning ways after suffering a derby defeat by Milan recently, followed by a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were forced to fight throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team generated numerous opportunities, but a clinical Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute mark when Argentine Martínez smacked a one-time shot into the roof of the net. The forward then finished from close range with seven minutes remaining.
The team’s capacity to convert despite difficult circumstances proved crucial in securing the victory.
Additional European Action
Across in Spain, the Basque side mounted a thrilling comeback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a late strike five minutes into added time. Villarreal’s goals came from Ayoze Pérez shortly after the 30-minute 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. However, Moleiro delivered the final say late in stoppage time.
Later on La Liga match, Real Madrid travel to Girona needing a win to go back to the summit ahead of Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.
- The Nerazzurri remain in tight pursuit for the Italian title.
- Martínez proved his value with a decisive performance.
- The title race goes on with multiple clubs competing.
