Martínez Double Ensures Inter Milan on Tail of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half brace to secure his team a 2-0 win at Pisa, keeping the away side very much involved in the Italian league championship battle despite a somewhat shaky performance.
Standings Overview
Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed in third position in the standings with 27 points, tied with second-placed Roma and only one point adrift of leaders Milan. In contrast, Pisa occupy the third bottom spot with 10 points.
Game Recap
Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to get back on track after enduring a derby defeat by Milan recently, followed by a European loss at Atlético Madrid. However, they were made to battle throughout by promoted Pisa. The hosts generated numerous opportunities, but a efficient Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute mark when Argentine Martínez smacked a one-time shot into the roof of the net. The attacker then finished from close range seven minutes from time.
Inter’s capacity to score despite difficult circumstances proved crucial in securing three points.
Other European Action
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’ goals came from Ayoze Pérez shortly after the 30-minute 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 last word late in added time.
In the late Spanish fixture, Real Madrid travel to Girona requiring a win to go back to the top ahead of Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on the previous day.
- Inter remain in close pursuit for the Serie A crown.
- Martínez demonstrated his value with a decisive display.
- The battle for first continues with several clubs competing.
