Martínez Brace Keeps Inter Milan in Pursuit of Frontrunners
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half double to earn his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the visitors very much engaged in the Serie A title race despite a somewhat shaky display.
League Table Overview
Led by Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed third in the standings with 27 points total, tied with runner-up Roma and only one point behind leaders Milan. In contrast, Pisa occupy the 18th spot with 10 points.
Game Summary
Inter arrived in Tuscany aiming to get back on track after suffering a loss to rivals by Milan last weekend, which was followed by a Champions League loss at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were forced to fight all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team created numerous chances, but a efficient Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when Argentine Martínez smacked a first-time shot into the roof of the net. The attacker then finished from point-blank seven minutes from time.
The team’s capacity to convert even with difficult circumstances was decisive in earning three points.
Other European Matches
Across in Spain, the Basque side mounted a dramatic fightback 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 just after the half-hour mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler quickly pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea leveled the score three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro had the final say deep into stoppage time.
Later on Spanish match, Real Madrid travel to Girona needing a victory to return to the summit above Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.
- The Nerazzurri remain in close contention for the Italian title.
- Martínez proved his value with a decisive performance.
- The battle for first goes on with multiple clubs in the mix.
