Martínez Brace Ensures Inter Milan on Tail of Frontrunners
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a late brace to earn his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, ensuring the visitors firmly involved in the Serie A championship battle in spite of a less than convincing performance.
Standings Update
Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter currently are placed in third position in the standings with 27 points total, tied with runner-up Roma and just one point behind table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa hold the 18th spot with 10 points.
Game Recap
Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after enduring a loss to rivals by Milan recently, followed by a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. However, they were made to battle throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team generated plenty of opportunities, but a clinical Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute when Argentine Martínez drilled a first-time shot into the roof of the net. The attacker then tapped in from close range with seven minutes remaining.
Inter’s capacity to score despite difficult circumstances proved decisive in earning three points.
Other Continental Matches
In Spain, the Basque side staged a dramatic comeback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to succumb 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 soon pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea leveled the score three minutes from time. However, Moleiro had the final say late in stoppage time.
In the late La Liga match, Real Madrid travel to Girona requiring a win to return to the top above Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on Saturday.
- The Nerazzurri stay in tight contention for the Italian crown.
- Martínez proved his worth with a decisive display.
- The title race continues with multiple clubs competing.
