Martínez Brace Keeps Inter Milan on Tail of Frontrunners

Inter striker Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half double to secure his side a 2-0 win at Pisa, ensuring the away side very much engaged in the Serie A championship battle despite a somewhat shaky performance.

Standings Update

Led by Cristian Chivu, Inter currently sit third in the table with 27 points total, level with second-placed Roma and just one point behind table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa hold the 18th spot with 10 points.

Match Recap

Inter arrived in Tuscany aiming to return to winning ways after enduring a loss to rivals by Milan recently, which was followed by a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. However, they were forced to fight throughout by promoted Pisa. The home team generated numerous opportunities, but a efficient Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute mark when Argentinian Martínez drilled a one-time shot into the top of the net. The forward then finished from close range seven minutes from time.

The team’s ability to convert despite difficult circumstances proved crucial in earning the victory.

Other Continental Action

Across in Spain, the Basque side mounted a thrilling comeback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a late strike five minutes into stoppage time. The visitors’ goals 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. Yet, Moleiro delivered the final say late in added time.

In the late Spanish match, Real Madrid journey to Girona requiring a victory to go back to the top above Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on the previous day.