Martínez Double Keeps Inter on Tail of Frontrunners
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half double to earn his team a 2-0 win at Pisa, keeping the away side firmly involved in the Italian league title race despite a somewhat shaky performance.
Standings Update
Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter now are placed third in the standings with 27 points, tied with second-placed Roma and just one point adrift of leaders Milan. In contrast, Pisa hold the 18th position with 10 points.
Match Recap
Inter arrived in Tuscany aiming to get back on track after suffering a loss to rivals by Milan recently, followed by a European defeat at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were made to battle throughout by promoted Pisa. The hosts created plenty of opportunities, but a efficient Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute mark when Argentinian Martínez smacked a one-time shot into the roof of the net. The forward then tapped in from close range with seven minutes remaining.
The team’s capacity to score even with difficult circumstances was decisive in securing the victory.
Other Continental Action
In Spain, the Basque side staged a dramatic comeback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a late strike five minutes into added time. The visitors’ goals 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 leveled the score three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro had the last word late in added time.
Later on La Liga fixture, Real Madrid journey to Girona requiring a victory to go back to the top ahead of Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on the previous day.
- The Nerazzurri remain in tight pursuit for the Serie A crown.
- Martínez demonstrated his worth with a match-winning display.
- The battle for first goes on with several clubs in the mix.
