Martínez Double Ensures Inter in Pursuit of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez scored a second-half brace to secure his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, ensuring the away side very much involved in the Serie A title race in spite of a less than convincing display.
League Table Update
Under manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed in third position in the standings with 27 points, level with runner-up Roma and just one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa hold the third bottom spot with 10 points.
Game Recap
Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to get back on track after enduring a loss to rivals by Milan recently, followed by a Champions League loss at Atlético Madrid. However, they were made to battle all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts created numerous opportunities, but a efficient Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when Argentine Martínez drilled a one-time shot into the top of the net. The attacker then tapped in from point-blank with seven minutes remaining.
Inter’s capacity to convert even with difficult circumstances was crucial in securing three points.
Other Continental 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 goal five minutes into added time. The visitors’ goals came from Ayoze Pérez shortly after the 30-minute 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 had the last word late in added time.
Later on La Liga match, Real Madrid travel to Girona needing a victory to return to the top above Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on Saturday.
- The Nerazzurri remain in tight pursuit for the Italian crown.
- Martínez proved his worth with a match-winning display.
- The battle for first continues with several teams competing.
