Martínez Brace Keeps Inter Milan on Tail of Frontrunners
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half brace to earn his side a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the away side very much engaged in the Italian league title race in spite of a less than convincing display.
Standings Update
Under Cristian Chivu, Inter currently are placed in third position in the standings with 27 points, tied with runner-up Roma and only one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa hold the third bottom spot with 10 points.
Game Summary
Inter traveled in Tuscany aiming to get back on track after suffering a loss to rivals by Milan recently, followed by a Champions League loss at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were forced to fight throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team created numerous opportunities, but a clinical Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute mark when Argentinian Martínez smacked a one-time shot into the roof of the net. The attacker then tapped in from close range with seven minutes remaining.
The team’s capacity to score even with difficult circumstances was crucial in securing three points.
Other European Matches
Across in Spain, the Basque side mounted a dramatic comeback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a late strike five minutes into added time. The visitors’ scoring came from Ayoze Pérez shortly after the half-hour mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler quickly reduced the deficit and Ander Barrenetxea leveled the score three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro delivered the final say late in stoppage time.
In the late Spanish match, Real Madrid journey to Girona requiring a win to return to the top ahead of Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 win over Alavés on Saturday.
- The Nerazzurri remain in tight contention for the Serie A title.
- Martínez proved his value with a match-winning performance.
- The battle for first goes on with several teams competing.
