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, ensuring the away side very much involved in the Italian league title race despite a less than convincing performance.
Standings Update
Under Cristian Chivu, Inter currently are placed third in the standings with 27 points, level with second-placed Roma and only one point behind table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa occupy the 18th position with 10 points.
Game Recap
Inter traveled in Tuscany aiming to get back on track after suffering a loss to rivals by Milan recently, followed by a European defeat at Atlético Madrid. However, they were made to battle throughout by promoted Pisa. The hosts generated plenty of chances, but a clinical Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when Argentine Martínez drilled a one-time shot into the roof of the net. The forward then tapped in from point-blank seven minutes from time.
Inter’s capacity to convert even with difficult circumstances was crucial in securing the victory.
Other Continental Matches
Across in Spain, the Basque side mounted a thrilling comeback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a late strike five minutes into stoppage time. The visitors’ goals came from Ayoze Pérez just 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 delivered the last word deep into added time.
In the late Spanish fixture, Real Madrid journey to Girona needing a win to go back to the summit above Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on the previous day.
- The Nerazzurri stay in close pursuit for the Serie A crown.
- Martínez demonstrated his worth with a match-winning display.
- The battle for first goes on with multiple clubs in the mix.
