Martínez Double Keeps Inter in Pursuit of Leaders
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez netted a late double to earn his side a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the away side firmly involved in the Serie A title race despite a less than convincing performance.
League Table Overview
Led by manager Cristian Chivu, Inter currently sit third in the standings with 27 points, level with runner-up Roma and just one point behind table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa hold the third bottom position with 10 points.
Game Recap
Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to get back on track after enduring a loss to rivals by Milan recently, which was followed by a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were made to battle throughout by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts created plenty of opportunities, but a clinical Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute mark when Argentine Martínez smacked a one-time shot into the roof of the net. The attacker then finished from point-blank seven minutes from time.
The team’s ability to convert even with pressure proved crucial in earning the victory.
Other European Action
In Spain, the Basque side mounted a thrilling fightback from 2-0 down to equalize at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a late strike five minutes into stoppage time. Villarreal’s goals came from Ayoze Pérez just 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. However, Moleiro had the final say late in stoppage time.
Later on Spanish fixture, Real Madrid journey to Girona requiring a victory to go back to the summit above Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 triumph over Alavés on Saturday.
- The Nerazzurri stay in tight contention for the Italian title.
- Martínez demonstrated his worth with a decisive display.
- The battle for first goes on with multiple clubs competing.
