Martínez Double Keeps Inter on Tail of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a late brace to earn his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, ensuring the away side firmly engaged in the Serie A title race in spite of a less than convincing performance.
Standings Update
Led by Cristian Chivu, Inter currently sit in third position in the table with 27 points total, level with second-placed Roma and just one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa occupy the 18th spot with 10 points.
Game Summary
Inter traveled in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after suffering a derby defeat by Milan recently, which was followed by a European loss at Atlético Madrid. However, they were forced to fight throughout by promoted Pisa. The hosts generated plenty of opportunities, but a clinical Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute mark when Argentine Martínez smacked a first-time shot into the roof of the net. The attacker then tapped in from close range with seven minutes remaining.
The team’s capacity to convert even with pressure proved decisive in securing the victory.
Other Continental Action
Across in Spain, the Basque side staged a dramatic comeback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a late strike five minutes into added time. The visitors’ goals came from Ayoze Pérez just after the 30-minute mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler quickly reduced the deficit and Ander Barrenetxea leveled the score three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro had the last word late in stoppage time.
In the late La Liga match, Real Madrid travel to Girona needing a victory to go back to the summit above Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 win over Alavés on Saturday.
- Inter stay in close contention for the Serie A title.
- Martínez demonstrated his value with a decisive performance.
- The battle for first continues with several clubs competing.
