Martínez Brace Ensures Inter on Tail of Leaders
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half double to earn his side a 2-0 win at Pisa, ensuring the visitors very much engaged in the Italian league title race in spite of a less than convincing performance.
Standings Update
Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed in third position in the standings with 27 points total, level with second-placed Roma and only one point behind table-toppers Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa occupy the 18th position with 10 points.
Game Recap
Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to get back on track after suffering a derby defeat by Milan last weekend, which was followed by a European loss at Atlético Madrid. However, they were made to battle throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The home team created numerous opportunities, but a clinical Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute mark when Argentine Martínez drilled a first-time shot into the roof of the net. The attacker then finished from point-blank with seven minutes remaining.
Inter’s capacity to convert even with difficult circumstances was decisive in earning three points.
Additional Continental Matches
In Spain, the Basque side mounted a thrilling comeback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a goal five minutes into added time. Villarreal’s scoring came from Ayoze Pérez just after the half-hour mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler soon pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea equalised three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro delivered the last word deep into added time.
In the late La Liga fixture, Real Madrid journey to Girona requiring a victory to go back to the summit ahead of Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.
- The Nerazzurri stay in close pursuit for the Serie A title.
- Martínez proved his worth with a match-winning performance.
- The title race continues with multiple teams in the mix.
