Martínez Double Keeps Inter Milan on Tail of Frontrunners
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez netted a late double to earn his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, ensuring the visitors very much involved in the Italian league championship battle in spite of a less than convincing display.
League Table Update
Under Cristian Chivu, Inter currently sit in third position in the table with 27 points total, tied with second-placed Roma and only one point behind table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa hold the third bottom position with 10 points.
Game Summary
Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to get back on track after suffering a derby defeat by Milan last weekend, which was followed by a European loss at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were forced to fight all the way by promoted Pisa. The hosts generated numerous opportunities, but a clinical Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute when Argentine Martínez smacked a first-time shot into the roof of the net. The attacker then tapped in from close range with seven minutes remaining.
Inter’s ability to score despite pressure was crucial in securing the victory.
Other European Action
In Spain, the Basque side staged a dramatic comeback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a late strike five minutes into added time. Villarreal’s scoring 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. However, Moleiro had the final say late in added time.
In the late La Liga fixture, Real Madrid travel to Girona needing a win to return to the top above Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on the previous day.
- Inter stay in tight pursuit for the Italian crown.
- Martínez demonstrated his worth with a match-winning performance.
- The battle for first goes on with multiple teams in the mix.
