Martínez Brace Keeps Inter Milan in Pursuit of Frontrunners
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez netted a late double to earn his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, ensuring the away side very much engaged in the Serie A championship battle in spite of a somewhat shaky display.
League Table Update
Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now sit third in the table with 27 points total, tied with second-placed Roma and just one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa hold the 18th position with 10 points.
Game Recap
Inter traveled in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after enduring a derby defeat by Milan last weekend, which was followed by a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were made to battle all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts created plenty of chances, but a efficient Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute when Argentinian Martínez smacked a first-time shot into the top of the net. The attacker then finished from point-blank seven minutes from time.
The team’s capacity to score despite difficult circumstances proved decisive in earning the victory.
Other Continental Matches
Across in Spain, the Basque side mounted a thrilling fightback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a late strike five minutes into stoppage 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 equalised three minutes from time. However, Moleiro had the final say deep into stoppage time.
In the late Spanish fixture, Real Madrid journey to Girona requiring a victory to return to the summit above Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.
- Inter remain in tight contention for the Serie A title.
- Martínez proved his value with a decisive performance.
- The title race continues with multiple clubs in the mix.