Martínez Double Ensures Inter on Tail of Frontrunners
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez scored a late double to secure his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the away side firmly engaged in the Italian league title race in spite of a somewhat shaky performance.
League Table Update
Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter currently are placed third in the standings with 27 points total, tied with runner-up Roma and only one point behind table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa occupy the third bottom position with 10 points.
Game Recap
Inter arrived in Tuscany aiming to return to winning ways after enduring a loss to rivals by Milan recently, followed by a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were made to battle throughout by promoted Pisa. The home team created numerous chances, but a efficient Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute when Argentine Martínez drilled a first-time shot into the roof of the net. The attacker then finished from point-blank seven minutes from time.
Inter’s capacity to score despite pressure was crucial in securing the victory.
Additional Continental Action
Across in Spain, the Basque side staged a thrilling fightback 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 just after the half-hour mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler soon reduced the deficit and Ander Barrenetxea leveled the score three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro delivered the final say deep into stoppage time.
Later on La Liga fixture, Real Madrid journey to Girona requiring a victory to return to the top ahead of Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.
- Inter remain in close pursuit for the Italian title.
- Martínez proved his worth with a match-winning display.
- The title race continues with several clubs competing.
