Martínez Double Keeps Inter on Tail of Frontrunners
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half brace to earn his side a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the away side firmly involved in the Italian league title race in spite of a less than convincing performance.
Standings Overview
Under Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed third in the table with 27 points, tied with runner-up Roma and only one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa hold the 18th position with 10 points.
Game Summary
Inter traveled in Tuscany aiming to get back on track after enduring a derby defeat by Milan last weekend, followed by a Champions League loss at Atlético Madrid. However, they were forced to fight all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts generated numerous chances, but a clinical Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute when Argentine Martínez drilled a one-time shot into the top of the net. The attacker then finished from close range with seven minutes remaining.
The team’s capacity to convert despite difficult circumstances was crucial in securing three points.
Additional European Matches
In Spain, the Basque side staged a dramatic comeback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to succumb 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 quickly pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea equalised three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro delivered the final say deep into stoppage time.
In the late La Liga match, Real Madrid journey to Girona requiring a win to return to the top above Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.
- Inter remain in tight pursuit for the Serie A title.
- Martínez proved his worth with a decisive performance.
- The battle for first continues with several teams competing.
