Martínez Double Ensures Inter in Pursuit of Frontrunners
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half double to earn his side a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the visitors firmly engaged in the Italian league title race in spite of a less than convincing performance.
League Table Update
Under manager Cristian Chivu, Inter currently are placed in third position in the table with 27 points, tied with second-placed Roma and just one point behind leaders Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa hold the third bottom spot with 10 points.
Match Recap
Inter traveled 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 forced to fight all the way by promoted Pisa. The hosts generated numerous chances, but a clinical Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when Argentinian Martínez drilled a first-time shot into the top of the net. The forward then finished from close range seven minutes from time.
The team’s ability to score despite difficult circumstances proved decisive in earning three points.
Additional European Action
Across in Spain, the Basque side staged a thrilling fightback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a goal five minutes into added time. The visitors’ scoring 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. However, Moleiro delivered the final say late in added time.
In the late La Liga fixture, Real Madrid journey to Girona requiring a win to go back to the top ahead of Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.
- The Nerazzurri stay in close contention for the Serie A crown.
- Martínez proved his value with a match-winning performance.
- The battle for first continues with multiple teams in the mix.
