Martínez Brace Ensures Inter Milan in Pursuit of Leaders
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez netted a late double to earn his side a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the visitors firmly engaged in the Serie A championship battle despite a less than convincing performance.
League Table Overview
Under Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed in third position in the standings with 27 points total, level with runner-up Roma and just one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa hold the third bottom spot with 10 points.
Game Summary
Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after enduring a loss to rivals by Milan last weekend, which was followed by a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were made to battle throughout by promoted Pisa. The hosts generated plenty of chances, but a clinical Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute mark when Argentine Martínez smacked a one-time shot into the top of the net. The attacker then tapped in from point-blank seven minutes from time.
Inter’s capacity to convert even with difficult circumstances proved decisive in earning three points.
Additional European Matches
In Spain, the Basque side staged a dramatic comeback 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 quickly pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea leveled the score three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro delivered the last word deep into added time.
In the late Spanish match, Real Madrid journey to Girona requiring a victory to return to the top ahead of Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on the previous day.
- The Nerazzurri stay in close contention for the Italian crown.
- Martínez proved his value with a decisive performance.
- The battle for first goes on with multiple clubs in the mix.
