Martínez Double Keeps Inter Milan in Pursuit of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez scored a late double to secure his side a 2-0 win at Pisa, keeping the visitors firmly engaged in the Italian league championship battle in spite of a less than convincing performance.
League Table Update
Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed in third position in the table with 27 points total, level with second-placed Roma and only one point adrift of leaders Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa occupy the third bottom position with 10 points.
Match Summary
Inter traveled in Tuscany looking to get back on track after enduring a derby defeat by Milan last weekend, which was followed by a Champions League loss at Atlético Madrid. However, they were forced to fight all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team created plenty of chances, but a efficient 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 tapped in from point-blank with seven minutes remaining.
Inter’s capacity to convert despite difficult circumstances was crucial in earning three points.
Other Continental Action
Across in Spain, the Basque side staged a thrilling comeback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a goal five minutes into stoppage time. The visitors’ scoring came from Ayoze Pérez shortly after the half-hour mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler quickly pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea leveled the score three minutes from time. However, Moleiro delivered the last word deep into stoppage time.
In the late La Liga match, Real Madrid journey to Girona needing a win to go back to the top above Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on the previous day.
- Inter remain in tight pursuit for the Italian title.
- Martínez proved his value with a decisive performance.
- The title race goes on with multiple teams competing.
