Martínez Double Keeps Inter in Pursuit of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a late brace to earn his side a 2-0 win at Pisa, ensuring the away side very much involved in the Serie A title race despite a less than convincing performance.
League Table Update
Under Cristian Chivu, Inter currently are placed in third position in the standings with 27 points total, tied with second-placed Roma and just one point behind table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa occupy the 18th position with 10 points.
Match Recap
Inter traveled in Tuscany aiming to get back on track after enduring a loss to rivals by Milan recently, followed by a Champions League loss at Atlético Madrid. However, they were forced to fight all the way by promoted Pisa. The home team created plenty of chances, but a clinical Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute mark when Argentine Martínez drilled a one-time shot into the roof of the net. The attacker then tapped in from point-blank with seven minutes remaining.
Inter’s ability to score even with pressure was decisive in earning three points.
Other Continental Matches
In Spain, the Basque side staged a dramatic comeback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a goal five minutes into stoppage time. Villarreal’s goals came from Ayoze Pérez shortly after the half-hour mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler quickly reduced the deficit and Ander Barrenetxea equalised three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro delivered the last word late in stoppage time.
In the late La Liga fixture, Real Madrid journey to Girona requiring a victory to go back to the top ahead of Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.
- The Nerazzurri remain in close pursuit for the Serie A crown.
- Martínez demonstrated his value with a match-winning display.
- The battle for first goes on with multiple clubs competing.
