Martínez Brace Keeps Inter Milan in Pursuit of Frontrunners
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half double to earn his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the away side firmly involved in the Italian league championship battle despite a less than convincing performance.
Standings Update
Led by Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed in third position in the standings with 27 points, level with runner-up Roma and just one point behind leaders Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa hold the third bottom position with 10 points.
Game Recap
Inter arrived in Tuscany aiming to return to winning ways after suffering a derby defeat by Milan recently, which was followed by a European loss at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were forced to fight throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts created plenty of opportunities, but a clinical Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute mark when Argentinian Martínez smacked a one-time shot into the roof of the net. The forward then tapped in from close range with seven minutes remaining.
The team’s capacity to convert despite pressure proved decisive in earning the victory.
Other European Matches
Across in Spain, the Basque side staged a thrilling comeback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a goal five minutes into stoppage time. The visitors’ goals came from Ayoze Pérez shortly 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. However, Moleiro had the final say late in added time.
In the late Spanish fixture, Real Madrid travel to Girona needing a victory to go back to the top ahead of Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on Saturday.
- Inter remain in tight pursuit for the Serie A crown.
- Martínez demonstrated his value with a match-winning performance.
- The battle for first continues with multiple clubs in the mix.