Martínez Double Ensures Inter Milan on Tail of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half brace to earn his side a 2-0 victory at Pisa, ensuring the visitors very much engaged in the Serie A title race in spite of a somewhat shaky performance.
Standings Update
Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now sit in third position in the table with 27 points, level with second-placed Roma and only one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa occupy the 18th position with 10 points.
Match Summary
Inter traveled in Tuscany aiming to return to winning ways after suffering a derby defeat by Milan recently, followed by a Champions League loss at Atlético Madrid. However, they were forced to fight throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team created numerous chances, but a efficient Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute when Argentine Martínez smacked a first-time shot into the roof of the net. The attacker then finished from point-blank seven minutes from time.
The team’s capacity to convert despite pressure was crucial in earning the victory.
Other European Matches
Across in Spain, the Basque side mounted a dramatic comeback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a goal five minutes into stoppage time. The visitors’ goals came from Ayoze Pérez just after the half-hour mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler soon pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea equalised three minutes from time. However, Moleiro delivered the last word late in added time.
In the late La Liga match, Real Madrid journey to Girona requiring a win to return to the top ahead of Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on the previous day.
- Inter stay in tight contention for the Italian crown.
- Martínez demonstrated his worth with a match-winning performance.
- The title race continues with multiple clubs in the mix.
