Martínez Double Ensures Inter on Tail of Frontrunners
Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a late double to earn his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the away side firmly involved in the Italian league championship battle despite a somewhat shaky display.
League Table Overview
Led by Cristian Chivu, Inter now sit third in the standings with 27 points total, tied with second-placed Roma and only one point behind leaders Milan. In contrast, Pisa occupy the third bottom position with 10 points.
Game Recap
Inter traveled in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after enduring a derby defeat by Milan recently, followed by a European loss at Atlético Madrid. However, they were forced to fight throughout by promoted Pisa. The home team generated numerous chances, but a efficient Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute 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 ability to score even with difficult circumstances was crucial in securing three points.
Other Continental Action
Across in Spain, the Basque side mounted a dramatic fightback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to lose 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 soon reduced the deficit and Ander Barrenetxea equalised three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro delivered the last word deep into stoppage time.
Later on La Liga fixture, Real Madrid travel to Girona requiring a win to go back to the top above Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.
- Inter stay in close contention for the Serie A crown.
- Martínez proved his worth with a match-winning display.
- The battle for first continues with multiple teams in the mix.
