Martínez Double Ensures Inter on Tail of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez scored a late brace to secure his side a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the visitors very much engaged in the Italian league title race despite a less than convincing display.
Standings Overview
Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter currently sit in third position in the table with 27 points total, tied with second-placed Roma and only one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa hold the 18th position with 10 points.
Match Recap
Inter arrived in Tuscany aiming to return to winning ways after enduring a derby defeat by Milan recently, followed by a European defeat at Atlético Madrid. However, they were forced to fight all the way by promoted Pisa. The hosts created plenty of chances, but a clinical Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute when Argentine Martínez smacked 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 convert even with difficult circumstances proved decisive in securing 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 shortly 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. Yet, Moleiro delivered the final say late in stoppage time.
Later on Spanish fixture, Real Madrid travel to Girona needing a victory to go back to the top above Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 win over Alavés on Saturday.
- Inter stay in close pursuit for the Italian title.
- Martínez proved his worth with a decisive display.
- The battle for first continues with several clubs in the mix.