Martínez Brace Ensures Inter Milan on Tail of Leaders
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half brace to secure his team a 2-0 win at Pisa, ensuring the visitors very much engaged in the Italian league championship battle in spite of a less than convincing display.
Standings Update
Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter currently are placed in third position in the table with 27 points, level with runner-up Roma and only one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa occupy the 18th position with 10 points.
Match Recap
Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after suffering a loss to rivals by Milan last weekend, followed by a Champions League loss at Atlético Madrid. However, they were made to battle all the way by promoted Pisa. The home team created numerous opportunities, but a clinical Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute mark when Argentine Martínez drilled a one-time shot into the roof of the net. The attacker then tapped in from point-blank seven minutes from time.
The team’s capacity to convert even with difficult circumstances was crucial in securing the victory.
Other European Action
In Spain, the Basque side staged a thrilling comeback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a late strike five minutes into stoppage time. Villarreal’s goals came from Ayoze Pérez just after the half-hour mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler soon pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea leveled the score three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro delivered the final say deep into added time.
In the late La Liga match, Real Madrid travel to Girona requiring a victory to return to the summit above Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.
- Inter remain in close pursuit for the Italian title.
- Martínez proved his value with a match-winning performance.
- The title race goes on with several clubs in the mix.
