Martínez Brace Ensures Inter Milan on Tail of Frontrunners
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez scored a second-half brace to earn his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, ensuring the away side very much involved in the Serie A championship battle in spite of a somewhat shaky display.
League Table Overview
Under Cristian Chivu, Inter currently are placed third in the table with 27 points, level with second-placed Roma and only one point behind table-toppers Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa occupy the 18th spot with 10 points.
Match Recap
Inter traveled in Tuscany aiming to return to winning ways after suffering a derby defeat by Milan recently, followed by a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were made to battle throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts created numerous opportunities, but a efficient Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute mark when Argentine Martínez smacked a one-time shot into the top of the net. The forward then finished from point-blank seven minutes from time.
The team’s ability to score despite pressure proved decisive in securing the victory.
Additional European Action
Across in Spain, the Basque side mounted a dramatic fightback from 2-0 down to level 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 half-hour mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler quickly reduced the deficit and Ander Barrenetxea equalised three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro delivered the final say late in added time.
In the late Spanish fixture, Real Madrid journey to Girona needing a victory to go back to the summit above Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.
- The Nerazzurri remain in close pursuit for the Serie A title.
- Martínez proved his worth with a match-winning display.
- The battle for first continues with several teams in the mix.