Martínez Double Keeps Inter in Pursuit of Frontrunners
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez netted a late brace to secure his side a 2-0 win at Pisa, ensuring the away side very much involved in the Serie A title race in spite of a less than convincing performance.
Standings Overview
Under Cristian Chivu, Inter now sit third in the standings with 27 points, level with second-placed Roma and just one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa occupy the 18th spot with 10 points.
Match Recap
Inter arrived in Tuscany aiming to return to winning ways after suffering a derby defeat by Milan last weekend, followed by a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were forced to fight all the way by promoted Pisa. The home team 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 ability to convert despite difficult circumstances proved crucial in earning the victory.
Other Continental Matches
In Spain, the Basque side mounted a dramatic fightback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a goal five minutes into stoppage time. The visitors’ goals came from Ayoze Pérez shortly after the half-hour mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler quickly pulled one back and Ander Barrenetxea equalised three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro had the last word late in added time.
Later on Spanish match, Real Madrid travel to Girona needing a win to go back to the summit above Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.
- The Nerazzurri remain in tight pursuit for the Serie A crown.
- Martínez proved his worth with a decisive performance.
- The battle for first continues with multiple teams in the mix.
