Martínez Double Keeps Inter Milan on Tail of Frontrunners
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half double to secure his side a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the visitors firmly involved in the Italian league championship battle in spite of a less than convincing performance.
Standings Overview
Led by Cristian Chivu, Inter currently sit in third position in the table with 27 points total, tied with runner-up Roma and just one point adrift of leaders Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa occupy the third bottom position with 10 points.
Match Recap
Inter traveled in Tuscany aiming to get back on track after enduring a derby defeat by Milan last weekend, followed by a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. However, they were forced to fight throughout by promoted Pisa. The hosts created numerous opportunities, but a clinical Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute mark when Argentinian Martínez drilled a first-time shot into the top of the net. The forward then tapped in from close range seven minutes from time.
Inter’s capacity to score even with difficult circumstances proved decisive in securing three points.
Other European Matches
In Spain, the Basque side staged a dramatic fightback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a goal five minutes into stoppage time. The visitors’ scoring came from Ayoze Pérez shortly after the 30-minute mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler soon reduced the deficit and Ander Barrenetxea leveled the score three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro had the last word late in stoppage time.
Later on Spanish match, Real Madrid travel to Girona needing a win to go back to the top above Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 win over Alavés on Saturday.
- Inter remain in close contention for the Italian crown.
- Martínez demonstrated his value with a decisive display.
- The title race goes on with multiple teams in the mix.
