Martínez Double Ensures Inter Milan on Tail of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez scored a late brace to secure his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, ensuring the visitors firmly engaged in the Serie A championship battle in spite of a less than convincing display.
Standings Update
Led by Cristian Chivu, Inter currently sit in third position in the standings with 27 points, tied with runner-up Roma and only one point behind table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa hold the third bottom position with 10 points.
Match Recap
Inter traveled in Tuscany aiming to get back on track after enduring a loss to rivals by Milan recently, followed by a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. However, they were made to battle all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts generated plenty of chances, but a clinical Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute when Argentinian Martínez drilled a one-time shot into the roof of the net. The forward then finished from close range with seven minutes remaining.
The team’s ability to score despite difficult circumstances proved decisive in securing three points.
Additional European Matches
In Spain, the Basque side mounted a dramatic fightback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a goal five minutes into stoppage time. The visitors’ goals came from Ayoze Pérez just after the 30-minute mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler quickly reduced the deficit and Ander Barrenetxea leveled the score three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro delivered the last word late in added time.
In the late La Liga match, Real Madrid journey to Girona requiring a victory to go back to the summit ahead of Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on the previous day.
- The Nerazzurri stay in tight pursuit for the Serie A crown.
- Martínez proved his worth with a decisive display.
- The battle for first continues with several teams in the mix.
