Martínez Double Ensures Inter Milan in Pursuit of Leaders
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez netted a late double to earn his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, ensuring the away side firmly involved in the Italian league championship battle in spite of a somewhat shaky display.
League Table Overview
Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed in third position in the table with 27 points total, tied with runner-up Roma and just one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa occupy the 18th spot with 10 points.
Game Summary
Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to get back on track after enduring a derby defeat by Milan last weekend, which was followed by a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. However, they were forced to fight throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts generated numerous chances, but a clinical Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute mark when Argentinian Martínez smacked a first-time shot into the top of the net. The attacker then tapped in from point-blank with seven minutes remaining.
Inter’s ability to convert despite difficult circumstances proved decisive in earning the victory.
Other Continental Matches
In Spain, the Basque side staged a thrilling fightback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a goal five minutes into stoppage time. Villarreal’s scoring came from Ayoze Pérez just 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. However, Moleiro had the last word deep into stoppage time.
In the late Spanish match, Real Madrid travel to Girona requiring a win to go back to the summit above Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 win over Alavés on Saturday.
- The Nerazzurri remain in tight contention for the Serie A title.
- Martínez proved his worth with a match-winning performance.
- The title race continues with several clubs competing.
