Martínez Double Keeps Inter Milan in Pursuit of Frontrunners
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez scored a second-half brace to earn his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, ensuring the away side firmly engaged in the Italian league title race despite a less than convincing performance.
Standings Update
Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed third in the standings with 27 points total, level with second-placed Roma and only one point adrift of leaders Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa hold the third bottom spot with 10 points.
Game Summary
Inter traveled in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after enduring a derby defeat by Milan last weekend, which was followed by a European loss at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were made to battle throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts generated plenty of chances, but a efficient Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute mark when Argentine Martínez smacked a first-time shot into the top of the net. The forward then tapped in from point-blank seven minutes from time.
The team’s capacity to convert even with difficult circumstances proved crucial in securing three points.
Other European Action
In Spain, the Basque side mounted a dramatic fightback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a goal five minutes into added time. The visitors’ goals came from Ayoze Pérez shortly after the half-hour 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. However, Moleiro delivered the final say deep into added time.
In the late Spanish match, Real Madrid travel to Girona needing a win to go back to the summit above Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on the previous day.
- The Nerazzurri stay in tight contention for the Serie A crown.
- Martínez proved his worth with a decisive display.
- The title race continues with several clubs competing.
