Martínez Brace Ensures Inter in Pursuit of Leaders
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez scored a second-half double to earn his team a 2-0 win at Pisa, keeping the visitors very much involved in the Serie A championship battle despite a less than convincing display.
Standings Update
Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter currently sit third in the table with 27 points total, level with runner-up Roma and just one point behind leaders Milan. In contrast, Pisa occupy the 18th spot with 10 points.
Match Recap
Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after enduring a loss to rivals by Milan recently, followed by a Champions League loss at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were made to battle throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts created plenty of chances, but a efficient Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute when Argentine Martínez drilled a first-time shot into the top of the net. The attacker then tapped in from point-blank seven minutes from time.
Inter’s capacity to score even with difficult circumstances was crucial in earning three points.
Additional European Action
In Spain, the Basque side staged a dramatic comeback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a goal five minutes into stoppage time. Villarreal’s goals came from Ayoze Pérez just after the 30-minute mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler soon pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea leveled the score three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro delivered the final say late in stoppage time.
In the late La Liga fixture, Real Madrid travel to Girona requiring a win to return to the summit above Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on the previous day.
- The Nerazzurri remain in close contention for the Italian title.
- Martínez demonstrated his value with a decisive performance.
- The title race goes on with several clubs competing.
