Martínez Brace Keeps Inter Milan on Tail of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half brace to secure his side a 2-0 victory at Pisa, ensuring the away side firmly engaged in the Italian league title race despite a somewhat shaky display.
League Table Update
Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed third in the standings with 27 points total, level with runner-up Roma and only one point behind table-toppers Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa occupy the third bottom position with 10 points.
Match Recap
Inter traveled in Tuscany aiming to get back on track after suffering a derby defeat by Milan recently, followed by a European loss at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were forced to fight all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team created plenty of opportunities, but a efficient Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute mark when Argentine 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 score even with difficult circumstances was decisive in earning the victory.
Additional Continental Action
Across in Spain, the Basque side mounted a thrilling fightback from 2-0 down to level 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. Yet, Moleiro had the last word late in stoppage time.
Later on La Liga fixture, Real Madrid travel to Girona needing a victory to go back to the summit ahead of Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on the previous day.
- The Nerazzurri stay in close pursuit for the Serie A title.
- Martínez demonstrated his value with a match-winning display.
- The battle for first continues with multiple clubs in the mix.
