Martínez Double Keeps Inter Milan on Tail of Frontrunners
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez scored a late brace to secure his side a 2-0 win at Pisa, keeping the away side firmly engaged in the Serie A championship battle in spite of a somewhat shaky performance.
League Table Update
Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter currently sit third in the standings with 27 points, level with runner-up Roma and just one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa hold the third bottom position with 10 points.
Game Recap
Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after suffering a derby defeat by Milan last weekend, followed by a European defeat at Atlético Madrid. However, they were made to battle all the way by promoted Pisa. The hosts created plenty of opportunities, but a clinical Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute when Argentinian Martínez drilled a first-time shot into the top of the net. The forward then finished from close range with seven minutes remaining.
The team’s capacity to convert even with pressure proved crucial in securing the victory.
Additional European Action
Across in Spain, the Basque side mounted a thrilling comeback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a goal five minutes into added time. The visitors’ scoring 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 leveled the score three minutes from time. However, Moleiro had the final say late in stoppage time.
In the late Spanish fixture, Real Madrid journey to Girona needing a victory to return to the summit above Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on the previous day.
- The Nerazzurri stay in close contention for the Italian crown.
- Martínez proved his worth with a decisive performance.
- The battle for first continues with several clubs in the mix.
