Martínez Brace Keeps Inter Milan in Pursuit of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a late brace to earn his side a 2-0 victory at Pisa, ensuring the visitors firmly involved in the Serie A title race despite a somewhat shaky display.
League Table Update
Under Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed in third position in the table with 27 points total, tied with second-placed Roma and only one point behind leaders Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa occupy the 18th position with 10 points.
Game Recap
Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after suffering a derby defeat by Milan last weekend, followed by a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. However, they were made to battle all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts created plenty of opportunities, but a clinical Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute when Argentinian Martínez smacked a first-time shot into the roof of the net. The forward then finished from point-blank with seven minutes remaining.
The team’s capacity to convert despite difficult circumstances proved crucial in earning three points.
Additional Continental Matches
Across 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 stoppage time. Villarreal’s goals came from Ayoze Pérez shortly after the half-hour mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler soon reduced the deficit and Ander Barrenetxea leveled the score three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro had the final say late in added time.
In the late Spanish fixture, Real Madrid travel to Girona requiring a win to go back to the top ahead of Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on the previous day.
- The Nerazzurri remain in close contention for the Italian title.
- Martínez proved his value with a decisive display.
- The title race continues with multiple teams competing.
