Martínez Brace Ensures Inter Milan in Pursuit of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez scored a late double to earn his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the away side firmly engaged in the Serie A championship battle despite a somewhat shaky performance.
Standings Update
Under manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now sit third in the standings with 27 points, tied with runner-up Roma and just one point behind table-toppers Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa occupy the third bottom spot with 10 points.
Match Recap
Inter traveled in Tuscany aiming to get back on track after enduring a loss to rivals by Milan last weekend, followed by a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were made to battle throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts created plenty of chances, but a clinical Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute mark when Argentine Martínez drilled a first-time shot into the roof of the net. The attacker then finished from close range with seven minutes remaining.
The team’s ability to convert even with difficult circumstances was crucial in securing the victory.
Additional European Matches
Across in Spain, the Basque side staged a dramatic fightback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a goal five minutes into added time. Villarreal’s scoring came from Ayoze Pérez shortly after the 30-minute mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler soon pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea equalised three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro had the last word late in added time.
In the late Spanish match, Real Madrid journey to Girona needing a victory to go back to the top above Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on Saturday.
- The Nerazzurri stay in close pursuit for the Serie A title.
- Martínez proved his value with a match-winning performance.
- The title race goes on with multiple clubs competing.
