Martínez Double Keeps Inter Milan in Pursuit of Leaders
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez scored a late brace to earn his side a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the away side firmly involved in the Serie A title race despite a less than convincing performance.
Standings Overview
Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter currently are placed third in the table with 27 points, tied with runner-up Roma and only one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa occupy the 18th spot with 10 points.
Match Summary
Inter traveled in Tuscany aiming to get back on track after suffering a loss to rivals by Milan last weekend, which was followed by a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. However, they were made to battle throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team generated numerous chances, but a efficient Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute mark when Argentine Martínez smacked a one-time shot into the top of the net. The attacker then tapped in from close range seven minutes from time.
The team’s ability to convert despite difficult circumstances proved decisive in earning the victory.
Additional European Matches
In Spain, the Basque side mounted 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 shortly after the half-hour mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler quickly pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea leveled the score three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro had the final say late in added time.
In the late La Liga fixture, Real Madrid travel to Girona needing a victory to return to the top above Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on the previous day.
- Inter stay in close contention for the Italian title.
- Martínez proved his worth with a match-winning performance.
- The battle for first continues with several clubs competing.
