Martínez Double Keeps Inter on Tail of Frontrunners
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a late double to earn his side a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the visitors very much engaged in the Italian league championship battle in spite of a somewhat shaky display.
Standings Update
Led by Cristian Chivu, Inter currently are placed third in the standings with 27 points, level with second-placed Roma and just one point adrift of leaders Milan. In contrast, Pisa occupy the 18th spot with 10 points.
Match Summary
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. 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 mark when Argentine Martínez smacked a first-time shot into the roof of the net. The attacker then finished from point-blank with seven minutes remaining.
Inter’s capacity to score despite pressure proved decisive in earning three points.
Additional Continental Matches
Across in Spain, the Basque side mounted a thrilling comeback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a goal five minutes into stoppage time. The visitors’ scoring came from Ayoze Pérez shortly after the half-hour 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. However, Moleiro delivered the final say late in stoppage time.
In the late Spanish fixture, Real Madrid travel to Girona requiring a win to go back to the top ahead of Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.
- The Nerazzurri remain in tight contention for the Serie A title.
- Martínez demonstrated his value with a decisive display.
- The battle for first continues with several clubs in the mix.
