Martínez Double Keeps Inter Milan in Pursuit of Leaders
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez scored a late brace to earn his side a 2-0 win at Pisa, ensuring the away side firmly involved in the Italian league championship battle despite a somewhat shaky display.
Standings Update
Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed third in the standings with 27 points total, tied with runner-up Roma and just one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa hold 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, which was followed by a European defeat at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were forced to fight all the way by promoted Pisa. The home team created numerous chances, but a clinical Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute mark when Argentine Martínez drilled a one-time shot into the top of the net. The forward then tapped in from point-blank seven minutes from time.
Inter’s ability to score despite difficult circumstances proved decisive in earning three points.
Additional European Action
In Spain, the Basque side mounted 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 30-minute mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler soon reduced the deficit and Ander Barrenetxea equalised three minutes from time. However, Moleiro delivered the final say deep into stoppage time.
In the late Spanish fixture, Real Madrid journey to Girona needing a win to return to the summit above Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on Saturday.
- The Nerazzurri remain in close pursuit for the Serie A title.
- Martínez proved his value with a match-winning display.
- The battle for first continues with multiple clubs competing.
