Martínez Brace Keeps Inter Milan on Tail of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez scored a second-half brace to secure his side a 2-0 victory at Pisa, ensuring the visitors very much involved in the Italian league title race despite a less than convincing performance.
League Table Overview
Under manager Cristian Chivu, Inter currently are placed third in the table with 27 points total, level with second-placed Roma and only one point behind leaders Milan. In contrast, Pisa hold the third bottom spot with 10 points.
Match Summary
Inter arrived in Tuscany aiming to return to winning ways after suffering a derby defeat by Milan last weekend, which was followed by a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were forced to fight all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team generated numerous chances, but a efficient Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when Argentine Martínez drilled a one-time shot into the top of the net. The attacker then tapped in from point-blank with seven minutes remaining.
The team’s capacity to score even with difficult circumstances proved decisive in earning the victory.
Other European Matches
In Spain, the Basque side mounted a thrilling fightback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a goal five minutes into added time. Villarreal’s goals came from Ayoze Pérez just after the 30-minute mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler quickly pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea equalised three minutes from time. However, Moleiro delivered the last word deep into stoppage time.
Later on Spanish match, Real Madrid travel to Girona needing a win to return to the summit ahead of Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on the previous day.
- The Nerazzurri stay in tight contention for the Italian title.
- Martínez demonstrated his worth with a decisive display.
- The battle for first continues with multiple clubs competing.
