Martínez Double Keeps Inter Milan on Tail of Leaders
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez scored a late brace to earn his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, ensuring the visitors very much involved in the Italian league title race in spite of a less than convincing performance.
Standings Update
Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now sit third in the table with 27 points, level with runner-up Roma and just one point behind table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa occupy the 18th spot with 10 points.
Match Summary
Inter traveled in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after enduring a derby defeat by Milan last weekend, followed by a European defeat at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were made to battle throughout by promoted Pisa. The home team created numerous chances, but a clinical Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute when Argentinian Martínez drilled a first-time shot into the roof of the net. The attacker then tapped in from close range with seven minutes remaining.
Inter’s capacity to score despite pressure was crucial in securing the victory.
Additional Continental Matches
In Spain, the Basque side mounted a dramatic comeback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a goal five minutes into added time. The visitors’ scoring came from Ayoze Pérez shortly after the half-hour mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler soon pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea leveled the score three minutes from time. However, Moleiro delivered the final say deep into stoppage time.
Later on Spanish match, Real Madrid travel to Girona needing a victory to go back to the top above Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.
- The Nerazzurri stay in tight contention for the Serie A title.
- Martínez proved his worth with a match-winning performance.
- The battle for first goes on with several clubs in the mix.
