Martínez Double Ensures Inter Milan in Pursuit of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez scored a second-half double to earn his side a 2-0 win at Pisa, ensuring the away side firmly involved in the Serie A title race in spite of a less than convincing performance.
Standings Overview
Led by Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed third in the standings with 27 points, level with second-placed Roma and just one point behind leaders Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa hold the 18th position with 10 points.
Game Summary
Inter arrived in Tuscany aiming to get back on track after enduring a loss to rivals by Milan recently, which was followed by a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were made to battle all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team created numerous opportunities, but a clinical Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute mark when Argentinian Martínez drilled a first-time shot into the top of the net. The forward then finished from close range with seven minutes remaining.
Inter’s ability to score even with difficult circumstances proved decisive in securing the victory.
Additional Continental Matches
In Spain, the Basque side staged a dramatic comeback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a goal five minutes into added time. Villarreal’s goals came from Ayoze Pérez just 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. However, Moleiro had the last word deep into added time.
In the late Spanish fixture, Real Madrid travel to Girona requiring a win to return to the summit above Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on the previous day.
- The Nerazzurri stay in tight contention for the Italian crown.
- Martínez demonstrated his value with a decisive performance.
- The title race continues with several teams competing.