Martínez Double Ensures Inter in Pursuit of Leaders
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half double to secure his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, ensuring the away side firmly involved in the Italian league championship battle in spite of a somewhat shaky performance.
Standings Update
Led by Cristian Chivu, Inter currently sit third in the standings with 27 points, tied with runner-up Roma and just one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa hold the third bottom position with 10 points.
Match Recap
Inter traveled in Tuscany looking to get back on track after enduring a loss to rivals by Milan recently, followed by a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. However, they were forced to fight throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts generated plenty of opportunities, but a efficient Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute mark when Argentine Martínez drilled a one-time shot into the roof of the net. The forward then finished from point-blank seven minutes from time.
The team’s capacity to convert even with pressure was crucial in earning the victory.
Other Continental Matches
Across in Spain, the Basque side mounted a dramatic fightback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a goal five minutes into added time. The visitors’ goals came from Ayoze Pérez just after the 30-minute mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler soon pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea leveled the score three minutes from time. However, Moleiro had the final say late in stoppage time.
In the late La Liga fixture, Real Madrid travel to Girona requiring a win to go back to the summit above Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on Saturday.
- The Nerazzurri remain in tight contention for the Serie A title.
- Martínez demonstrated his worth with a decisive display.
- The title race goes on with multiple teams competing.
