Martínez Brace Ensures Inter Milan on Tail of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half double to secure his side a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the visitors very much involved in the Serie A title race in spite of a less than convincing performance.
Standings Overview
Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter currently sit in third position in the table with 27 points, level with second-placed Roma and only one point behind table-toppers Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa hold the 18th spot with 10 points.
Game Recap
Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to get back on track after enduring a loss to rivals by Milan last weekend, which was followed by a European loss at Atlético Madrid. However, they were forced to fight throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team created numerous chances, but a clinical Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute mark when Argentine Martínez drilled a one-time shot into the top of the net. The forward then tapped in from point-blank with seven minutes remaining.
Inter’s ability to score despite pressure proved crucial in earning three points.
Additional European Action
In Spain, the Basque side staged a thrilling comeback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a goal five minutes into stoppage time. Villarreal’s goals 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 had the last word late in stoppage time.
Later on La Liga fixture, Real Madrid journey to Girona requiring a win to return to the summit above Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on the previous day.
- Inter stay in close pursuit for the Serie A title.
- Martínez proved his worth with a match-winning performance.
- The battle for first goes on with multiple teams competing.
