Martínez Double Ensures Inter Milan in Pursuit of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half double to earn his side a 2-0 victory at Pisa, ensuring the visitors very much engaged in the Italian league title race despite a less than convincing display.
League Table Overview
Led by Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed in third position in the table with 27 points, level with second-placed Roma and just one point adrift of leaders Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa occupy the 18th position with 10 points.
Game Recap
Inter traveled in Tuscany aiming to return to winning ways after enduring a derby defeat by Milan recently, followed by a European loss at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were made to battle throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts generated numerous chances, but a efficient Inter broke the deadlock 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.
Inter’s ability to convert despite difficult circumstances was decisive in earning the victory.
Other European Action
Across in Spain, the Basque side staged a thrilling comeback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a goal five minutes into stoppage time. The visitors’ goals 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 leveled the score three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro delivered the final say late in stoppage time.
In the late La Liga match, Real Madrid travel to Girona requiring a victory to return to the top ahead of Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on Saturday.
- The Nerazzurri stay in tight contention for the Serie A title.
- Martínez demonstrated his value with a decisive display.
- The battle for first continues with multiple clubs competing.
