Martínez Double Keeps Inter Milan in Pursuit of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez scored a second-half double to earn his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the visitors very much engaged in the Italian league title race in spite of a somewhat shaky performance.
Standings Overview
Under manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed third in the table with 27 points total, level with second-placed Roma and just one point behind leaders Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa occupy the third bottom spot with 10 points.
Game Summary
Inter arrived in Tuscany aiming to return to winning ways after suffering a loss to rivals by Milan recently, followed by a European loss 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 smacked a one-time shot into the roof of the net. The forward then finished from close range seven minutes from time.
Inter’s ability to score even with pressure was decisive in securing three points.
Additional 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. The visitors’ goals came from Ayoze Pérez shortly after the half-hour mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler soon pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea equalised three minutes from time. However, Moleiro had the last word deep into added time.
Later on Spanish fixture, Real Madrid travel to Girona requiring a win to go back to the summit above Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on the previous day.
- Inter stay in tight pursuit for the Italian crown.
- Martínez demonstrated his value with a decisive display.
- The battle for first goes on with several clubs in the mix.
