Martínez Brace Ensures Inter Milan on Tail of Frontrunners
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half brace to earn his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, ensuring the away side very much engaged in the Italian league championship battle despite a less than convincing display.
League Table Overview
Under Cristian Chivu, Inter now sit in third position in the table with 27 points total, level with runner-up Roma and only one point behind leaders Milan. In contrast, Pisa hold the third bottom position with 10 points.
Game Recap
Inter arrived in Tuscany aiming to return to winning ways after enduring a loss to rivals by Milan last weekend, followed by a Champions League loss at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were made to battle all the way by promoted Pisa. The home team generated plenty of chances, but a clinical Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when Argentine Martínez smacked a one-time shot into the top of the net. The attacker then tapped in from point-blank seven minutes from time.
Inter’s ability to convert even with difficult circumstances proved crucial 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 succumb to a goal five minutes into added time. The visitors’ 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 leveled the score three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro had the last word late in added time.
Later on La Liga fixture, Real Madrid journey to Girona requiring a victory to go back to the top above Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on Saturday.
- Inter stay in tight contention for the Italian crown.
- Martínez demonstrated his value with a decisive display.
- The battle for first continues with several teams competing.
